Bologna: discover an eclectic UNESCO World Heritage site

UNESCO has crowned Bologna twice. The first time, as a Creative City of Music, in 2006. Then, it was the turn of its porticoes, a World Heritage site since 2021.

Free, independent and unconventional, Bologna is young, if not for the age (it dates back to the 11th contrary BC), in the spirit and ideas of those who live there.

Bologna and its icons: the two leaning towers, la Torre degli Asinelli and la Garisenda; a rich gastronomic culture; the oldest university in Europe; its green, rolling hills; music (we will discuss the relationship with the second art shortly below).

What else? Obviously, its storied porticoes, the most classic and recognisable of Bologna's panoramas. Built of wood, concrete, brick or stone, they cover 62 kilometres of streets, squares and walkways.

UNESCO has selected twelve groups of sheltered passageways, both central and peripheral, which together contribute to expressing 'the urban identity of Bologna'. Indeed, it's nearly impossible to imagine the capital of Emilia Romagna without its emblematic architecture. 

The porticoed buildings included in the World Heritage property draw an ideal path through time and history and cloak a vibrant historic centre with charm. 

They are not a single global gallery but rather a scattered yet ideally continuous ensemble of private networks historically used for public purposes. 

Each one, with its own functions and peculiarities, has for centuries punctuated the social life of the Bolognesi, who have the privilege of enjoying it (almost) always dry! 

What makes Bologna one of Italy's most famous porticoed cities is the uniqueness of its characteristic covered spaces, mirroring a style of social life that is always active, regardless of the climate and seasons. 

This urban planning element, widespread almost everywhere in the world, is particularly 'complete' in terms of type, function and time frame. Some of the oldest arcades still retain their ancient wooden structure—a true rarity. 

More than a simple architectural model, the Bolognese porticoes represent a lively and sparkling sociality. Furthermore, they're a place for meeting and exchange, chatting and business that invades everything, from religious to civic or private environments. 

What is the history of Bologna's porticoes? It all began in the Middle Ages. At the time, more and more people poured into the city, amid those who gravitated around the prestigious University and those who left the countryside. The increase in population made it necessary to build new housing units. 

So, what did the ingenious Bolognesi do to accommodate the growing number of new inhabitants? They enlarged the upper floors of the buildings by projecting them outwards. The resulting structures were supported by a series of wooden beams resting along the streets. Unexpected 'hybrid' spaces, partly private and partly public corridors, came into being. 

The practice, dictated by necessity, became such a routine that in the 13th century, the Municipality of Bologna established the obligation to assemble a portico for every dwelling, not only for both new and old buildings. 

According to the time's directives, the porticoes' height and width had to be adequate to allow easy passage for people on horseback. 

As for the materials, while at first wood was the most commonly used, brick and stone became increasingly popular from the 16th century onwards . 

If you have read this far, dear reader, one thing should be clear: it's not a big deal if you forget your umbrella on a rainy day in Bologna. 

Anyway, which are the most beautiful porticoes, those under whose arches you can stroll in spite of the weather, wrapped in an irresistibly fresh and lively Bolognese atmosphere? 

Let's start with the record-breaking one, the longest in the world. With 3,796 metres in length, 664 arches and 15 chapels, the portico of San Luca is a challenge for those who habitually run up its steps to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, 270 metres above sea level. 

Let's abandon majesty for decidedly smaller dimensions: in Via Senzanome, you can see the narrowest portico in town, only 95 centimetres wide. In contrast, you'll find the widest flanking the Santa Maria dei Servi basilica, in Strada Maggiore. The tallest one? Outside the Palazzo dell'Arcidiocesi, about 10 metres of high, sober theatricality. 

Of all the porticoes in Bologna, the old wooden arcades are probably the most charming. There are eight in the centre. Pay particular attention to the one in Corte Isolani, in Strada Maggiore. If you encounter groups of people with their noses turned up, don't be surprised: they are all looking for three mysterious arrows stuck in the ceiling. Can you see where they are?

Move on to Via Farini, still looking upwards, but this time to admire the beautifully frescoed vaults of the Banca d'Italia building.

Next, you'll find nearby what is considered Bologna's portico par excellence, the Pavaglione, a long succession of arches, vaults and columns that cross palaces and buildings steeped in the city's history. Such as the Archiginnasio complex, home of the ancient university.