The porticoes of Bologna: a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The porticoes of Bologna are, without a doubt, the most famous aspect of Bologna, a city famous the world over for its culinary traditions, its love of culture, the presence of the oldest university in the Western World and, as already mentioned, this splendid architectural detail.

With an overall length of more than 60 km - of which 40 alone are in the historical city centre - the porticoes of Bologna form a spectacular sequence that renders this city unique and that, every year, attracts countless visitors from all over the world.

History and interesting facts about the porticoes of Bologna

The history of the porticoes of Bologna begins as far back as the Middle Ages when the development of the university and the increase in population of the historical centre called for new construction measures. In order to overcome the lack of space, first-storey floor structures were extended outwards, and in the 1200s the city’s statutes called for every new home to be built with a portico, which was considered public property, rather than private. In the 1500s and 1600s, all the wooden porticoes were re-built in brick, creating the fascinating spectacle that can still be admired to this day. 

In 2021 they were recognised as UNESCO World Heritage for their extraordinary architectural and cultural worth.

If you want to truly explore the porticoes of Bologna, including the famous portico of San Luca and the sanctuary of the same name, you have come to the right place: we have prepared a guide with everything you need for your next trip to the capital of Emilia, including a hotel with swimming pool in Bologna perfect for an unforgettable stay. 

The most beautiful porticoes to see in Bologna

Some of the many porticoes in Bologna stand out for their unique character and for a series of features that make them “record-breaking porticoes” or particularly deserving of a dedicated visit as part of your exploration of the porticoes of Bologna: 

• The Portico dei Servi, in Strada Maggiore, is famous for its width and for the harmonious columns that support it. It is considered as one of the city’s most beautiful Renaissance porticoes, and a stroll along it gives you the sensation of experiencing Bologna as it was centuries ago.

• The Portico del Pavaglione is also extremely famous, an elegant promenade that flanks Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio and Piazza Maggiore, historically linked to commerce and now the heart of the city’s shopping district. It is the ideal place for an evening stroll to enjoy the brightly lit shop windows and the hustle and bustle of the city.

• One of the oldest and most characteristic is the Medieval portico of Casa Isolani, nine metres high and a rare, perfectly preserved, example of 1200s Bologna architecture. Its magnificence is a direct connection to the Middle Ages, a reminder of how the porticoes of Bologna represent the roots of this thousand-year-old city.

• The portico of Via Altabella is the tallest in the city: here, the loggia of the Palazzo Arcivescovile reaches a height of 10 metres, creating a stunning effect that is, alone, worthy of a dedicated visit during your tour.

• Lastly, the longest - and thus the most famous - is the one that leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. With its length of almost 4 km and its 666 arches, it is an essential part of your itinerary to explore the porticoes of Bologna and one of the most fascinating promenades in the city.

The portico of San Luca

Almost 4 km in length and its series of 666 arches, the Portico of San Luca holds the record for the longest portico in the world and is, without a doubt, the most famous in all of Bologna. 

The best place to begin exploring it in all its glory is Via Saragozza, and the end point is the fascinating Sanctuary of San Luca, which lends its name to the portico itself, situated on the Monte della Guardia hill. The route is divided into two main parts: the first begins from Porta Saragozza, about one kilometre from Piazza Maggiore, and ends at Meloncello, the city’s famous crossroads: a level walk of one-and-a-half kilometres that will calmly lead you along the first 316 arches.

The second part, instead, is physically more challenging (but in any case accessible) and is characterised by a 2.2-km climb that offers increasingly charming views of the hills of Bologna. As you travel this route, you will also come across fifteen chapels dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary and a series of panoramic spots ideal for photographs, until you come to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca.

the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca

The Sanctuary located at the end of the route deserves a more detailed mention. The large Baroque-style church that sits at the end of the route has been watching over and protecting Bologna since the city was founded: a pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages, the Sanctuary is home to an ancient icon of the Madonna with Child, attributed, according to tradition, to San Luca the evangelist and every year taken on a procession through the city streets. 

The current Baroque-style building was built between the 17th and 18th centuries and is famous above all for its grand panoramic dome, which is visible from many parts of Bologna. And there is more: in recent years, thanks to the Succede solo a Bologna (It only happens in Bologna) initiative, it is possible to access a small panoramic terrace at the top of the Sanctuary. A climb up the one hundred steps of the ancient spiral staircase will lead you to a unique 180° view that will allow you to take in the city and its hills: a truly unmissable spectacle.

Things to see in Bologna as you stroll along the porticoes

Taking a stroll along the porticoes of Bologna means exploring the most authentic face of the city, with its Medieval history, elegant views and symbolic sites in the historical centre. The porticoes accompany any exploration of the city, connecting historical squares and districts along a route that can be found nowhere else in the world.

Piazza Maggiore

The heart of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore is the ideal starting point for an exploration of the city: surrounded by historical buildings such as the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo d’Accursio and Palazzo del Podestà, it has represented the heart of Bolognese life and culture for centuries. 

The Two Towers

The famous Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are the Medieval symbol of Bologna and an expression of the city’s past. They are situated on one of the liveliest streets in the centre, rising up among historical porticoes, stores and period buildings: the Asinelli tower is the only one open to visitors, and offers spectacular views.

The old districts

The old districts of Bologna maintain the atmosphere of the city, from the Quadrilatero, a Medieval market teeming with food shops and traditional taverns, to the university area of Via Zamboni. A stroll under the porticoes unveils hidden squares, period buildings and lively corners that make Bologna a city to enjoy, step by step.

Where to sleep when visiting Bologna and its porticoes

The best way to admire all the beauty of the porticoes of Bologna and of the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is to spend a few days in the city: among the various UNA Italian Hospitality facilities available, which stand out for their inviting position and the wonderful hospitality they offer, we recommend UNA Hotels Bologna San Lazzaro.

This hotel, in the midst of the lush Villa Cicogna Park, is one of the best options for those looking for a hotel in Bologna that combines a position close to the city’s most important sites with the tranquillity of a natural setting. Situated just a few minutes from the historical centre, it is the perfect solution for those looking to explore the porticoes of Bologna by day and return in the evening to a natural and relaxing setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The hotel offers more than 150 rooms and suites designed to combine comfort, attention to detail and ample space, as well as practical services for travellers such as free car parking, ideal above all for those coming to the city for the weekend.

The pride of the hotel is, without a doubt, its spectacular infinity pool: 20 metres in length, 5 metres in width, and with a depth of 1.30 m, it has been designed to offer a space for authentic comfort and relaxation, with a modern-design pool set in the midst of the park. The pool is open to adults and children and can be accessed from both the hotel and the external garden, making it the ideal solution for those looking for a hotel with swimming pool in Bologna to relax after a day of walking.

Whether you are planning a couple’s weekend in Bologna, a family stay or a journey to explore the city, UNA Hotels Bologna San Lazzaro offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Explore the available rooms and book your stay: the porticoes of Bologna - and everything else this extraordinary city has to offer - is waiting to welcome you.