If you’re planning a weekend in Bologna and want to uncover its most authentic corners, you simply cannot miss this journey through history beneath the famous Porticoes of Bologna, the city’s iconic symbol and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Porticoes of Bologna are one of the many reasons I love my city so much. With nearly 62 km of history, 40 km of which are in the historic center, I honestly can’t even imagine Bologna without them! Every step beneath these stunning architectural structures tells a story of our city’s identity.

Since the 1100s, when the University began shaping the urban landscape, the Porticoes of Bologna became a vibrant space for socializing and trade—an open-air living room that reflects the city’s welcoming spirit.

The Origins of the Porticoes in Bologna

The Porticoes of Bologna have a fascinating history rooted in the High Middle Ages. Back then, to expand their living spaces, citizens built wooden extensions protruding over the streets, supported by simple brackets known as beccadelli. However, to prevent collapses over time, additional columns were added, gradually giving shape to the porticoes we know today.

These structures were not only a perfect shelter from sun and rain but also became the heart of the city’s commercial and social life. Their utility was so appreciated that, in 1288, the municipality made them mandatory for all new buildings and required existing houses to be modified to include them.

Porticoes with Curious Names

As you stroll through the city, you’ll discover various types of porticoes, built in different eras, each with its own unique character and history. I find it incredibly fascinating to dig into the origins of their sometimes unusual nicknames…

For example, one of my favorites is the Portico dei Bastardini (literally portico of the little bastards) on Via D’Azeglio, named after the orphanage that once stood there. Then there’s the Portico della Morte (Portico of Death) on Via Musei, named for its proximity to the ancient hospital (now the Archaeological Museum) and its association with the Compagnia della Morte (Company of Death), a brotherhood that cared for terminally ill patients and offered comfort to those condemned to death.

Another interesting name is Pavaglione, the portico that runs from Via Rizzoli, past Piazza Maggiore and the Quadrilatero, all the way to Via Farini. The name derives from the French word Pavillon, referring to the silk market that once took place there. Today, this portico houses the entrances to the Archaeological Museum and the Archiginnasio, the first seat of the University of Bologna.
In the local dialect, Pavaglione also refers to the cloth used to cover market stalls under the portico.

Medieval and Renaissance Porticoes of Bologna

Among the oldest porticoes are the medieval wooden ones, such as those of Casa Isolani on Strada Maggiore and Casa Grassi on Via Marsala—authentic witnesses of 13th-century Bologna.

If you head toward Via Santo Stefano, you’ll find Case Seracchioli and, nearby, the spectacular cross vaults of Loggia della Mercanzia, a true architectural gem that has been a key commercial hub since the 14th century.

Moving into the Renaissance era, the lateral portico of San Giacomo Church on Via Zamboni and the loggia of Baraccano Complex on Via Santo Stefano are among the most striking. These structures reflect the city’s architectural splendor during the Renaissance period.

Continuing the tour, you can’t miss the Portico dei Banchi and the Pavaglione route, historically tied to the silk cocoon market. Here, you’ll also find the Portico of the Hospital of Death on Via de’ Musei and the Portico of the Archiginnasio, the historic seat of the University.

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Baroque and Modern Porticoes

The most iconic and beloved portico for Bolognesi is undoubtedly the Portico of San Luca, stretching for almost 4 km from Porta Saragozza to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. This Baroque masterpiece, built in 1732, is both an architectural and spiritual experience.

This impressive covered path spans 3,796 meters, starting from Arco Bonaccorsi at Porta Saragozza and leading up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. Along the way, there are 15 pilgrimage stations, making the walk not only an architectural marvel but also a deeply spiritual journey.

For a deeper dive into the sanctuary and its Portico of San Luca, I invite you to read my dedicated article.

After the Unification of Italy, Bologna underwent major urban transformations. The ancient porticoes were restored to preserve their medieval charm, while new bourgeois buildings continued to incorporate them, often with decorative elements, such as the Portico of the Bank of Italy on Via Farini.

With the opening of Via Indipendenza in 1888, more spacious commercial porticoes were developed, such as the Palazzina Majani, designed in 1908 by Augusto Sezanne.

Shortly after, Alessandro Ronzani designed the Palazzo Modernissimo on Via Rizzoli. During the Fascist period, the portico of Zanichelli Publishing House on Via Irnerio was built, featuring monumental columns. Finally, on Via Don Minzoni, the MAMbo Museum building hosts a unique portico, originally part of an industrial setting, now transformed into a museum in 2007.​

The Porticoes of Bologna: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

But what makes the Porticoes so special that they earned a UNESCO title? Their ability to blend past and present into a space of daily life and community. The porticoes are not just a shelter from bad weather; they are the heart of the city, where culture, commerce, and history intertwine in a unique way.

Here’s a list of some of the city’s most significant porticoes you shouldn’t miss:

• Piazza Santo Stefano
• Via Zamboni
• Strada Maggiore
• MAMbo Museum Building
• Piazza Cavour and Via Farini
• Arco del Meloncello and the path to the Sanctuary of San Luca
• Pavaglione and Piazza Maggiore
• Via Santa Caterina
• The “Treno” Building in the Barca district
• Monumental Cemetery of Certosa
• Teatro Baraccano
• Via Galliera

Experience Bologna at a Slow Pace

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic stroll, the Porticoes of Bologna offer an unforgettable experience.
Every arch, every column invites you to slow your pace, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old history of a city that has made hospitality one of its defining traits.​

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