Discover Bologna: Porticoes, History and Music

Bologna reveals its character through medieval urban spaces, porticoes and a rich cultural history. Its medieval old town is one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe. The UNESCO-listed porticoes comprise a selection of twelve porticoes within the city’s network of portico walkways, which spans 62 kilometres in total and is the largest portico system in the world. The tradition of construction and maintenance dates from the 12th to the 21st century. Bologna’s architecture can therefore be viewed not only through individual buildings, but also as a long process of development.

Porticoes and Medieval Urban Spaces

The Pavaglione, Banchi and Piazza Maggiore area includes one of Europe’s most significant and best-preserved medieval public spaces. The Pavaglione is also Bologna’s longest uninterrupted portico. These figures refer to different scales: the 62 kilometres describe the city-wide network, while the Pavaglione is a single continuous portico. Architecture enthusiasts can therefore explore both the extensive network and a specific structure.

Archiginnasio: Architecture and University History

The Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio was built in 1562 and 1563 at the instigation of Bologna’s papal legate, Cardinal Carlo Borromeo, and the vice-legate Pier Donato Cesi. It was designed by the Bolognese architect Antonio Morandi, known as Terribilia. The building was intended to provide a single location for university teaching, which had previously been spread across different sites. Its creation is therefore closely linked to a specific educational need.

In 1637, the Teatro Anatomico was designed in the Archiginnasio for anatomy lessons. The design was by Bolognese architect Antonio Paolucci, known as il Levanti and a pupil of the Carracci. The Teatro is made of fir wood and decorated with two rows of statues: the lower row features twelve famous doctors, while the upper row has twenty of the best-known anatomists from the Bolognese Studio. Here, teaching history and artistic design come together in one room.

San Luca, San Petronio and City Views

The Santuario di San Luca offers another example of the connection between a building and its urban setting. It is linked by a four-kilometre road lined with a portico, which begins at Porta Saragozza. The portico has more than 600 arches and is considered the longest in the world. The route’s length and the number of arches describe two different dimensions of this structure.

If you plan to visit the Basilica di San Petronio—as a local resident, tourist or other visitor—check the latest visitor information beforehand. The Basilica houses an organ built by Lorenzo da Prato around 1470, considered the oldest organ in the world still in use. Elsewhere in the city, the Finestrella di Via Piella offers a view of the Canale delle Moline and one of Bologna’s few remaining open stretches of waterway. The city also offers several trekking routes throughout the year, where you can explore art, architecture and nature within the urban area.

Music and Food Culture

Bologna holds the UNESCO title of “Creative City of Music”. The Sala della Musica is Italy’s first permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of a city’s popular music. These provide two distinct ways for music lovers to explore the subject: an international cultural accolade and an exhibition on music history.

The Quadrilatero lies at the heart of the historic old town and is shaped by a craft, trading and commercial tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Fresh egg pasta is one of Bologna’s best-known products; its long tradition is rooted in recipes passed down through generations. A traditional cooking class is also offered in the city centre. Before planning your visit, check whether it is available on your dates.

Plan Your Journey

Bologna is Italy’s most important railway hub and is particularly well connected by high-speed rail.

Discover more destinations: Casette di Funo, Baragazza, Molino del Pallone, Pioppe, Borgo Tossignano, Brento, Scuola, Fiumetto, Madonna dei Fornelli, I Casoni, Bologna, Ponte della Venturina, Zappolino, Santa Viola, Noce, Suviana, San Martino in Pedriolo, Pian del Voglio, Granaglione, Roncobilaccio, Sassoleone, Farneto, Tossignano, Imola, Villanova, Portonovo, Castiglione Dei Pepoli, Argelato, Altedo, Granarolo Dell'emilia, Monghidoro, Budrio, Molinella, San Pietro In Casale, Castel Guelfo Di Bologna, Medicina, Minerbio, Calderara Di Reno, Bentivoglio, Valsamoggia, Anzola Dell'emilia, Ozzano Dell Emilia, Tolè, Sasso Marconi, San Lazzaro Di Savena, San Giovanni In Persiceto, Quarto Inferiore, Porretta Terme, Pieve Di Cento, Pianoro, Casalfiumanese, Castel D'aiano, Grizzana Morandi, Ponticelli, Sala Bolognese, Vidiciatico, Lizzano In Belvedere, Loiano, Cà Bianca, San Benedetto Val Di Sambro, Savigno, Calcara, Monterenzio, Castel San Pietro Terme, Ripoli, Fontanelice, Castello Di Serravalle, Varignana-Palesio, Ponte Samoggia, Rastignano-Carteria Di Sesto, Sacerno, Fontana, Linaro, San Giorgio Di Piano, Borgonuovo, Crevalcore, Camugnano, Vergato, Castello D'argile, Pizzano, Castel Di Casio, Rioveggio, San Marino, Baricella, Gaggio Montano, Marzabotto, Malalbergo, Casalecchio Di Reno, Sant'Agata Bolognese, Mordano, Monzuno, Monteveglio, Monte San Pietro, Dozza, Crespellano, Castenaso, Castel Maggiore, Castel Del Rio, Funo, San Vincenzo.

For the broader travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.