BOLOGNA: THE CITY OF PORCHES
Marzo 01 2024
ART CURIOSITIES BOLOGNA 
One of the symbols of Bologna, along with the Two Towers and the Basilica of San Petronio, are the porticoes. They are extended for almost 40 kilometers in the heart of the historic center and have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2021. The porticoes will protect you from the sun and rain, they will make the umbrella unnecessary... you will get used to them soon! At the entrance of the Art Hotel Commercianti, you can notice a very unique portico including a polystyle pillar dating back to the 12th century, characteristic of the Gothic style and composed of a set of thin columns with wooden structures on the facade.
The birth of porticoes
But why is Bologna known as the city of porticoes? The people of Bologna wanted to expand their houses, but they couldn't make them wider or taller. So they found a way to extend the upper floor of their houses onto the street, creating porticoes. It is said that porticoes were born at the same time as Alma Mater Studiorum, so that landlords could rent more rooms to the new students. Initially, there were stability issues, but solutions were found such as diagonal beams and masonry supports. The Municipality of Bologna then granted permission for the construction of porticoes in 1250 and established rules regarding height and accessibility, although some rebellious citizens built many porticoes that did not meet regulations, as evidenced by several medieval fines. The paradox of the portico is that it is a public space even though it is built on private property, a place of meeting and exchange that has become the cultural "DNA" of our beloved city!
The Portico of San Luca: a path towards a breathtaking view
The longest portico we can find in Bologna is the one of San Luca, which connects the center of Bologna to the marvelous Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, located on the Colle della Guardia and from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view. This portico is composed of 666 arches and 15 chapels, dedicated to the families that contributed to its realization. The journey to this place of worship and pilgrimage can be divided into two parts: the first part starts from Porta Saragozza, located about a fifteen-minute walk from our hotel, while the second part starts from Meloncello, a very famous architecture of the city. The Bolognese, hopeful for the realization of a wish, often say the phrase "if I succeed, I will go to San Luca by foot": in fact, it represents a commitment that requires immense effort and that many decide to face. San Luca is a pilgrimage destination and its climb is so challenging that for many it represents a real dare (although often people say they will do it, but then they stop before even starting...). To deal with it in the best way, you have to start from via Saragozza, in the Meloncello area, where the portico starts to climb steeply for 280 meters compared to the city. To complete this feat, it takes about 45 minutes, without breaks but without running too much! We recommend reaching these wonderful porticos on foot from our hotel in Piazza Maggiore, they are about 5 km away to fully experience this purely Bolognese experience. Alternatively, if you don't want to exert yourself too much, you can use the bus of Bologna : you can take line 20 from the center of Bologna and get off at via Saragozza near Villa Spada. From there, you can decide whether to continue walking or to reach the top using line 58.
The legend of the porticoes of Strada Maggiore
Usually, under the arcades, you can find numerous frescoes, decorations, and details, but not only! They can also be made of wood and not stone, boasting medieval constructions like Casa Isolani in Strada Maggiore. The portico, supported by majestic wooden beams reaching a height of about 9 meters, was built around 1250. The beams were made of oak wood and support the third floor of the palace. Here you can see the three legendary arrows stuck in the wooden ceiling of this portico, although sometimes they may be difficult to spot immediately. According to one of the related legends, three bandits were tasked to eliminate a Bolognese lord but they were distracted by a beautiful maiden and the arrows ended up hitting the portico.
The frescoes and details
Under the arches of the Archiginnasio, also known as the Pavaglione in the Bolognese dialect, you can admire the prehistoric shells embedded in the floor and observe the coats of arms of the Confraternity of Death. Crossing via Farini, you will find yourself in front of the frescoed portico of the Palazzo della Banca d'Italia, in whose ceiling you will notice historical scenes related to pre and post-unitary Italy. These frescoes, painted in 1865 with very vibrant colors by Gaetano Lodi, represent a fascinating historical and artistic heritage.
A walk under the porticoes of Bologna
After discovering these curious and unique elements, wouldn't you like to take a stroll under the magnificent porticoes of Bologna? Maybe even with your beloved furry friend! Our pet-friendly hotel in the center of Bologna can offer you this delightful activity to explore this magical city together. Let Hotel Commercianti welcome you in the heart of Piazza Maggiore, in Bologna, to give you an unparalleled experience in a historic and enchanting setting.
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The birth of porticoes
But why is Bologna known as the city of porticoes? The people of Bologna wanted to expand their houses, but they couldn't make them wider or taller. So they found a way to extend the upper floor of their houses onto the street, creating porticoes. It is said that porticoes were born at the same time as Alma Mater Studiorum, so that landlords could rent more rooms to the new students. Initially, there were stability issues, but solutions were found such as diagonal beams and masonry supports. The Municipality of Bologna then granted permission for the construction of porticoes in 1250 and established rules regarding height and accessibility, although some rebellious citizens built many porticoes that did not meet regulations, as evidenced by several medieval fines. The paradox of the portico is that it is a public space even though it is built on private property, a place of meeting and exchange that has become the cultural "DNA" of our beloved city!
The Portico of San Luca: a path towards a breathtaking view
The longest portico we can find in Bologna is the one of San Luca, which connects the center of Bologna to the marvelous Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, located on the Colle della Guardia and from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view. This portico is composed of 666 arches and 15 chapels, dedicated to the families that contributed to its realization. The journey to this place of worship and pilgrimage can be divided into two parts: the first part starts from Porta Saragozza, located about a fifteen-minute walk from our hotel, while the second part starts from Meloncello, a very famous architecture of the city. The Bolognese, hopeful for the realization of a wish, often say the phrase "if I succeed, I will go to San Luca by foot": in fact, it represents a commitment that requires immense effort and that many decide to face. San Luca is a pilgrimage destination and its climb is so challenging that for many it represents a real dare (although often people say they will do it, but then they stop before even starting...). To deal with it in the best way, you have to start from via Saragozza, in the Meloncello area, where the portico starts to climb steeply for 280 meters compared to the city. To complete this feat, it takes about 45 minutes, without breaks but without running too much! We recommend reaching these wonderful porticos on foot from our hotel in Piazza Maggiore, they are about 5 km away to fully experience this purely Bolognese experience. Alternatively, if you don't want to exert yourself too much, you can use the bus of Bologna : you can take line 20 from the center of Bologna and get off at via Saragozza near Villa Spada. From there, you can decide whether to continue walking or to reach the top using line 58.
The legend of the porticoes of Strada Maggiore
Usually, under the arcades, you can find numerous frescoes, decorations, and details, but not only! They can also be made of wood and not stone, boasting medieval constructions like Casa Isolani in Strada Maggiore. The portico, supported by majestic wooden beams reaching a height of about 9 meters, was built around 1250. The beams were made of oak wood and support the third floor of the palace. Here you can see the three legendary arrows stuck in the wooden ceiling of this portico, although sometimes they may be difficult to spot immediately. According to one of the related legends, three bandits were tasked to eliminate a Bolognese lord but they were distracted by a beautiful maiden and the arrows ended up hitting the portico.
The frescoes and details
Under the arches of the Archiginnasio, also known as the Pavaglione in the Bolognese dialect, you can admire the prehistoric shells embedded in the floor and observe the coats of arms of the Confraternity of Death. Crossing via Farini, you will find yourself in front of the frescoed portico of the Palazzo della Banca d'Italia, in whose ceiling you will notice historical scenes related to pre and post-unitary Italy. These frescoes, painted in 1865 with very vibrant colors by Gaetano Lodi, represent a fascinating historical and artistic heritage.
A walk under the porticoes of Bologna
After discovering these curious and unique elements, wouldn't you like to take a stroll under the magnificent porticoes of Bologna? Maybe even with your beloved furry friend! Our pet-friendly hotel in the center of Bologna can offer you this delightful activity to explore this magical city together. Let Hotel Commercianti welcome you in the heart of Piazza Maggiore, in Bologna, to give you an unparalleled experience in a historic and enchanting setting.