Bologna Ancient Tarots Tour

2.5 Hours Private Walking Tour

Bologna Ancient Tarots Tour
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The Tarocchino Bolognese is an ancient card game. When consulted correctly, it can reveal not only who we are but also how to navigate our future. But what can it tell us about its birthplace—Bologna? Its history is deeply intertwined with that of the city, creating a fascinating web of legends and traditions. If we follow and listen to the Tarot, they will unveil extraordinary tales of rebellious students, heretics, and saints—all of whom once walked the streets of Bologna.

However, finding the figures represented in these cards hidden within the city is no easy task. While some proudly stand in plain sight, others remain concealed or even change their appearance, as if they wish to go unnoticed by passers-by. This tour will guide you through Bologna, introducing you to the twenty-two Trionfi (Triumphs) of the Tarocchino, revealing their (sometimes hidden) locations, and sharing the captivating stories they hold.

Led by Vanessa Cossu, author and scholar of the Tarocchino Bolognese, this immersive experience takes you through significant locations that have shaped the history of these Trionfi (Triumphs). With her unique perspective, she will guide you through the city's hidden corners, sharing anecdotes, untold stories, and symbolic meanings that only an expert can reveal.

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About

About The Host

Vanessa

Vanessa

Born in Cagliari, Sardinia, in the 1970s, Vanessa Cossu discovered her passion for Tarot in high school, thanks to a dear musician friend who introduced her to the world of historical card decks. Over the years, her approach to Tarot has evolved into a positive and creative practice, leading her to develop her own method—The Mirror—a unique four-card solo reading technique designed for self-reflection.

Rather than predicting the future, Vanessa focuses on emotions, interpreting the cards as if she were reading the "news section" of a very special newspaper—one that reflects the present moment and inner feelings of the person in front of her. Her deep love for symbols and visual language allows her to see each card as a gateway into a rich, artistic world, making Tarot a deeply visual and aesthetic experience.

Vanessa holds a degree in Modern Literature and has a passion for dance, performance, and yoga, which she also teaches. Since 2016, she has worked as a guide, leading experiences that focus on well-being and the unconventional aspects of the cities she loves—Bologna and Cagliari.

In 2019, her life changed forever with the birth of her son, Daniel—a moment that set her on a path of deeper self-awareness and inspired her to create a project connecting Bologna and Cagliari, her two beloved cities.

While wandering through city streets, Vanessa often encounters hidden tarot symbols—not just in Bologna but wherever she goes. It's as if places speak to her through signs, engravings, and playing cards. This serendipitous connection is what led her to create the Bologna Ancient Tarots Tour—an alternative way of experiencing the city through the lens of Tarot, history, and art.


Itinerary

Location

Things to keep in mind