Corte Isolani
Corte Isolani is a covered passage connecting Strada Maggiore and Piazza Santo Stefano, and is one of a kind in the historical centre of Bologna. The long corridor was built on the ancient route of the Via Emilia, traces of which can still be found in the basements of the shops facing the passageway itself.
Following major restoration work in 1995, the Isolani family decided to reopen the courtyard to the public, which is now home to various activities: restaurants, art galleries, bars, hairdressers, tailors and shops, including the Maurizio Carpanelli Art Gallery.
The legend of the arrow at Palazzo Isolani
The section of Corte Isolani overlooking Strada Maggiore shows an architectural peculiarity. One of the oldest
Gothic-style porticoes in the city is located here, as evidenced by the wooden columns on which it rests today.
The portico itself is the scene of one of Bologna's best-known legends, so much so that it is counted among the city's 7 secrets. If you look up to the ceiling, you can see
three arrows stuck in the wood, which apparently ended up there by mistake during an attempted murder (but actually due to a recent act of goliardery).
According to
legend, the victim of this murder was supposed to be a noblewoman accused of betrayal by her husband. The latter, in a fit of jealousy, decided to hire assassins to kill her and her lover. When she heard her name being called, however, the cunning noblewoman immediately realised she was in danger and appeared at the window completely naked. That is why the assassins, dazzled by the unexpected vision, misdirected their aim and shot their arrows at the ceiling.
On the Piazza Santo Stefano side, the courtyard opens onto a splendid palace built in the mid-15th century, once owned by the Bolognini family and later purchased by the Isolani, who were intent on expanding their possessions in the city.
