Canals of Bologna

Strange as it may sound, but once Bologna was similar to Venice. Many many years ago a river ran through Bologna, from the hills to the south, the river was used for drinking, washing and industry (silk and tannery) In fact the river had several water mills along it for such industries. As the years passed, the river was slowly built over, by people needing more space, and finally the river disappeared, and all that was left were canals underground. In the hills above Bologna there is still the reservoir and aqua-duct, built by the Romans to control the quality and amount of water going to Bologna for washing and drinking, the head pressure was used to power the fountains. The water was collected from the many streams and under ground seams that held water. The canal now has been concreted on the ground, and pipes move sewerage and water along it, though in heavy rains the canals fill up to around a meter deep. When you walk along them, you see the original Roman bridge which is underneath the main intersection at the two towers, and Etruscan brick, stone work as well. And signs where someone tried digging up into the bottom of a major bank at Piazza Minghetti, reminds me of the Italian Job.
They have many tours of the canals, though not over winter, one which might be fun is held on Halloween.
Apparently you can still see on some buildings metal hooks where boats would tie up to, its probably better covered, as it would be otherwise a visual river full of cigarette butts and dog shit.
We did this tour with about 15 people, and it was done by a new friend Massimo Martelli (Max), who is a loyal local, a art historian and professional guide, and knows everything about this wonderful city.