Built in the XII century as one of four ‘gateways’ and part of the second wall surrounding Bologna. A sinister tale though in the Middle Ages stains the history of Portanova tower. A woman Gentile lived here was put to death for being a witch but this was simply an act of jealousy or revenge from the wife of the Lord of Bologna.

Porta Nova Photos

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About Porta Nova

Referred to as one of the torresotti, there are four of these types of towers around Bologna. They make up the second line of walls that surrounded the ancient city and built in the late XII century also known as the mille.

This tower though also conceals a sinister tale. During the Inquisition in the Middle Ages, the witch Gentile lived in this tower. At her trial she was accused of being the most powerful witch for the last 1,000 years and was subsequently condemned to death. Of course, it had something more to do with the wife of the Lord of Bologna who obviously felt bitter about the woman for some reason, possibly out of jealousy or revenge.

References

Tiziano Costa, Elisa Panzacchi, Welcome to Bologna, Bologna 2007, p27.