Bologna's three arrows: the legend of Casa Isolani
The three arrows hidden in Bologna's portico
In Bologna's historic centre, Corte Isolani links Via Santo Stefano and Strada Maggiore through a series of courtyards. Casa Isolani, at Strada Maggiore 19, is distinguished by an impressive wooden portico supported by tall oak beams.
Look carefully overhead and you may spot three arrows lodged in the wooden structure. Their presence has inspired different explanations, but the most famous is a romantic and dramatic legend.
The jealous husband and the archers
The story tells of a noblewoman accused of adultery by her husband, who hired three archers to kill her. As the archers prepared to shoot, the woman distracted them with an unexpected gesture. Their arrows missed and became embedded in the portico instead. This is a tale handed down by local tradition, rather than a historically verified account.
Today, finding the arrows is a small challenge for visitors. Two can be spotted with patience, but the third is particularly difficult to locate. The legend encourages people to notice the details of Bologna's porticoes, which are much more than architectural decoration.
