Background
The serial property comprises twelve ensembles of porticoes and their surroundings within Bologna, built from the 12th century to the present. UNESCO says they are the most representative of the city's porticoes, which run for 62 km in all; some are of wood, others stone, brick or reinforced concrete, covering streets, squares and walkways, and in the 20th century concrete brought a new architectural language, as in the Barca district. They are private property for public use.
Wikipedia says the porticoes grew almost spontaneously from the early Middle Ages as houses pushed upper floors out over the street on props; the first record is from 1041, in 1288 the city ordered every new house to have one, and a decree of 1568 had them rebuilt in brick or stone, though wooden ones survive in Via Marsala and Corte Isolani. The Portico of San Luca, from Porta Saragozza to the sanctuary on the hill, is the world's longest, with 666 arches over almost 4 km.
- 1041The first record of a portico in Bologna
- 1088The university, the oldest in continental Europe, is founded
- 1288All new houses must be built with a portico
- 1568Wooden porticoes are ordered rebuilt in brick or stone
- 20th c.Concrete porticoes in the Barca district
- 2021Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Portico of San LucaThe world's longest, 666 arches up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
- 2Corte Isolani and Via MarsalaWhere medieval wooden porticoes survive.
- 3Piazza MaggioreThe pedestrian heart, with San Petronio and the free map from the tourist office.
- 4Due TorriThe leaning towers, the city's other symbol and its central landmark.
- 5The Barca DistrictThe 20th-century concrete portico outside the old walls.
- 6Bologna la RossaTerracotta reds and burnt oranges all along the walkways.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Under the Arcades
Not yet in a GoGo guide
- 09:30Piazza Maggiore and San Petronio1 hrThe main square and the basilica.
- 11:00Corte Isolani and the Medieval Porticoes1 hrThe surviving wooden arcades.
- 14:30Portico of San Luca2.5 hrsFrom Porta Saragozza up 666 arches to the sanctuary.
- 19:30Dinner Under a Portico90 minLa cucina Bolognese.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
