The Papal Tarot Deck Controversy That Changed the Course of Bolognese Tarot Cards

Did you know there’s a tarot deck so controversial it almost disappeared forever after angering the Pope?

Welcome to the Bologna Tarot Deck—a rare piece of history that dates back to the 15th century and still manages to surprise tarot fans today. In this deep dive, we explore how this unique 62-card deck survived centuries of political and religious turbulence to remain in circulation.

The Bologna Tarot isn’t just for mystics—it’s primarily used for card games and has roots going back to some of the earliest forms of tarot ever created. Unlike the familiar 78-card deck, the Bologna Tarot has a strange quirk: it’s missing the 2s through 5s, thanks to an ancient Bolognese decree aimed at curbing gambling. We’ll explain why this historic decision was made and how it changed the tarot landscape forever.

But the most fascinating chapter in this deck’s story happened in 1725, when a printer named Luigi Monteverdi made a political joke that infuriated the Papal State. The backlash? The Pope ordered the destruction of the decks, had the print shop burned, and imprisoned the workers! The Bologna Tarot deck narrowly survived, emerging with four new characters—the Moors—replacing the once highly-ranked Popes in the trump cards.

We’ll uncover why this deck is not only a relic of history but also a symbol of rebellion and how it fits into the larger world of Italian tarot. You’ll also get a close look at its artwork, including the celestial trumps—The Angel, The Moon, The Sun, and The World—and why the Bolognese tarot still sticks to its medieval roots.

If you’re a tarot lover, history buff, or just someone who enjoys a good story about pushing the limits of authority, you won’t want to miss this episode. We’ll also explore how the Bologna Tarot compares to other famous decks, like the Rider-Waite, and why its simplicity is part of its charm.

Still printed today, this deck is more than a fortune-telling tool—it’s a window into the past, a set of rules for gameplay, and a testament to tarot’s powerful influence on culture. Whether you want to learn more about tarot card games, or you’re intrigued by the clash between religion and mysticism, this video has something for you.

For rules on Ottocento the game that can be played with this deck: https://www.pagat.com/tarot/ottocento...


Are you from Bologna or have a great Bolognese recipe to share? Leave a comment below, and let’s keep both the history of this deck—and that delicious sauce—alive!

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By Christopher Cannucciari
www.cannucciari.com
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