Bologna Porticoes: A Walking Guide to the UNESCO Arcades

Sharing is caring!

The Bologna porticoes are covered walkways that line streets across the whole city. They keep you dry in rain and cool in summer, and they make Bologna one of the best cities in Italy for a long, slow walk. In 2021 UNESCO added the Porticoes of Bologna to the World Heritage List. This guide shows you how to walk them, where to start and what to eat along the way.

What Are the Bologna Porticoes?

A portico is a roofed arcade that runs along the front of buildings. Bologna has them almost everywhere. Local tourist sources put the full network at about 62 km. That is far more than any visitor can walk in one trip, so you do not need to try.

The arcades are not one single monument. They grew over many centuries, building by building. Some have simple brick arches. Others have tall stone columns, painted ceilings or carved wooden beams. Each style tells you a little about the age of the street.

Bologna is also home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Local guides explain that the growing student population needed more room for lodgings, so owners built out over the pavement. The arcades gave them extra floor space and gave everyone shelter below. You can read more on the official Bologna Welcome facts page.

The UNESCO Listing in Plain Terms

UNESCO did not list every arcade in the city. It chose 12 sections of the network that best show the history and the range of styles. The listing came in July 2021, according to the official Bologna Welcome press release. The sections include arcades in the historic centre and the long covered route that climbs to the hill of San Luca.

For you as a visitor, this means two things. First, you can walk the listed sections for free, at any hour. Second, plenty of other arcades outside the list are just as pleasant. Do not worry about ticking off all 12. Pick a route and enjoy it.

A Walking Route Through the Historic Centre

This simple loop starts in the main square and stays under cover for most of the way. Wear comfortable shoes, because the paving can be uneven.

Step 1: Piazza Maggiore and the Pavaglione

Start in Piazza Maggiore, the large central square. Walk to the long arcade beside the Archiginnasio, the old university building. This stretch is called the Pavaglione. It has wide arches, shops and plenty of room to stroll. Look up at the painted vaults as you walk.

Step 2: Via Zamboni and the University Quarter

Follow the arcades towards Via Zamboni. This is the student heart of the city. You will see bookshops, cheap cafes, posters and bicycles leaning on every column. The mood is lively and a little noisy, and that is part of the charm.

Step 3: Strada Maggiore and Santa Maria dei Servi

Turn back through the centre and follow Strada Maggiore. Here the portico is tall and graceful, with a church at one end. The arcade by Santa Maria dei Servi is a favourite with photographers. Stop at a cafe table under the arches and watch the city go by.

Step 4: Piazza Santo Stefano

Finish near Piazza Santo Stefano. This quiet square has warm orange and ochre walls, arcades with stone columns and a group of linked churches. In the afternoon the light turns the stone gold. The photo at the top of this guide shows arcades in this style.

Walking the San Luca Portico

The most famous Bologna porticoes climb out of the city. The San Luca portico starts at Porta Saragozza and rises to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on the Colle della Guardia. Sources describe it as the longest portico in the world. Most give its length as about 3.8 km, with around 660 arches. Different sources quote slightly different numbers, so treat these as approximate.

The walk is uphill all the way. The slope is steady rather than steep, but you should allow a good half day for the trip up, the view and the way back. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. At the top you can see the red roofs of Bologna and, on a clear day, the hills beyond.

• Start early, before the day gets warm.
• Take a small snack. Cafes thin out as you climb.
• Check the sanctuary opening times on the official site before you go.
• Walk up slowly and use the arches to rest in the shade.

What to Eat Under the Arches

Bologna is known across Italy for its food, so a porticoes walk works best with a meal in the middle. Many small trattorie and delis sit right under the arcades. Look for fresh egg pasta, slow-cooked ragù and thin slices of mortadella.

Try our tortellini in brodo recipe if you want to bring the taste home. For the cheeses of the region, read about Italy’s great cheese traditions. After a long walk, a scoop of ice cream is a fair reward, and our Italian gelato guide explains what to look for.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Walk the arcades in rain as well as sun. They are one of the few city centres where a wet day does not spoil sightseeing.
• Mind the bicycles on busy stretches, especially near the university.
• Look at the ceilings, columns and doors. The small details reward slow walking.
• Check the opening times of any church or sanctuary on its official website before you set out.
• Pair Bologna with a day trip. Ravenna is a short train ride away; see our Ravenna travel guide.

If your family came from this part of Italy, you may also want to read our heritage travel plan for Emilia-Romagna. For a wider look at the city, see our Bologna travel guide. For more planning detail, the Italia.it page on the porticoes and the Emilia-Romagna tourism walking itinerary are good official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bologna Porticoes

How long are the Bologna porticoes?

Local tourism sources give about 62 km for the whole network. The San Luca portico alone is about 3.8 km, though sources vary a little.

Are the Bologna porticoes a UNESCO site?

Yes. UNESCO added the Porticoes of Bologna to the World Heritage List in July 2021. The listing covers 12 sections that show the range of styles.

What is the best way to see the Bologna porticoes?

Walk the loop from Piazza Maggiore through the university quarter to Santo Stefano. Then, if you have time and energy, add the uphill walk to San Luca.

Can you walk the Bologna porticoes in the rain?

Yes, and that is one of their best features. Most of the central routes stay covered, so you can explore on a wet day and stay dry.

You Might Also Enjoy

• Bologna Italy Travel Guide: Food Capital of the World
• Tortellini in Brodo Recipe: Bologna’s Classic Pasta in Broth
• Ravenna Italy Travel Guide: The City of Mosaics Most Tourists Miss

Plan Your Italy Trip

Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Start with our ultimate Italy travel guide and the Italy trip planning hub.

Sharing is caring!