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Porticoes of Bologna: A UNESCO World Heritage

Explore Bologna's iconic porticoes: a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and vibrant city life.

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The Porticoes of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021, are a defining architectural feature of the city. These covered walkways, which extend for over 62 kilometers, provide shelter and a unique urban experience, embodying Bologna's history and culture.

A brief summary to Portici di Bologna

  • Via Farini, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, IT
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Take a stroll along Via Farini to experience the elegance and architectural details of the porticoes.
  • Visit the Portico of San Luca, the world's longest, for a scenic walk to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
  • Explore the medieval porticoes in Strada Maggiore, such as those at Casa Isolani, to see the original wooden structures.
  • Check out the Christmas market at Portico dei Servi.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Maggiore, walk south along Via Farini. The porticoes line both sides of the street, providing a covered walkway. The walk is approximately 500 meters and takes about 5-10 minutes. This route is flat and easily accessible.

  • Public Transport

    From Bologna Centrale train station, take bus number 25 or 27 towards the city center. Get off at the Farini stop, which is directly on Via Farini. The bus ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. A single ticket costs €2.30.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from Bologna Centrale train station to Via Farini typically costs between €8-€13 and takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Several taxi stands are available outside the station.

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Discover more about Portici di Bologna

The porticoes of Bologna are more than just covered walkways; they are a symbol of the city's identity and a testament to its rich history. Dating back to the Middle Ages, around the 11th century, the porticoes originated as a way to expand private buildings onto public land, providing additional living space to accommodate the growing student population of the University of Bologna. Over time, they evolved from simple wooden projections to the elegant brick and stone arcades that characterize the city today. In 1288, a municipal decree mandated that all new houses be built with a portico, and existing houses without one were required to add it. This solidified the porticoes as an integral part of Bologna's urban fabric, creating a network of covered spaces that offered protection from the elements and fostered social interaction. The porticoes showcase a variety of architectural styles, reflecting different periods in Bologna's history. From the medieval wooden structures to the Renaissance arches adorned with floral motifs, each portico tells a story. Some notable examples include the Casa Isolani in Strada Maggiore, with its 13th-century wooden porticoes, and the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi, known as the widest in the city. The longest portico in Bologna, and arguably the most famous, stretches almost 4 kilometers from Porta Saragozza to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, comprising 666 arches. Today, the porticoes of Bologna are a vibrant part of city life, housing shops, markets, cafes, and restaurants. They provide a unique space for people to socialize, trade, and simply enjoy the city's atmosphere. Recognized by UNESCO for their cultural and artistic significance, the porticoes of Bologna stand as a testament to the city's enduring architectural heritage.

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