The UNESCO Porticoes of Bologna: A Photography & Walking Guide (2026)
They say you can cross the entire city of Bologna without ever opening an umbrella.
It’s not just a saying—it’s a fact. Bologna is home to 62 kilometers (38 miles) of porticoes—the elegant, roofed arcades that line the streets. In 2021, these porticoes were officially named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing them as a unique architectural marvel that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.
For photographers and walkers, they are a dream. The light plays hide-and-seek through the arches, creating shadows and perspectives that look like Renaissance paintings.
Whether you are hunting for the perfect Instagram shot or just trying to stay dry, here is your guide to the 5 Most Beautiful Porticoes in Bologna and how to photograph them.
A Brief History: Why does Bologna have porticoes?
Before we start walking, you need to know why they are here. In the Middle Ages, Bologna’s university was booming, and the city ran out of housing. To create more space, homeowners extended the upper floors of their buildings out over the street, supporting them with wooden beams.
Eventually, the city made it a law: every new house had to have a portico, and it had to be high enough for a man on horseback to ride through. That 1000-year-old rule is why Bologna looks the way it does today.
1. The Record Breaker: Portico di San Luca
The Claim to Fame: The longest portico in the world. Length: 3.8 km (2.4 miles). Arches: 666.
This is the ultimate Bologna bucket list item. The portico starts at Porta Saragozza and winds its way up the Colle della Guardia hill to the Sanctuary of San Luca.
Photography Tip: The most famous shot is the “Endless Curve.” About halfway up, the portico snakes around the hill. Use a telephoto lens (or 3x zoom on your phone) to compress the arches, making them look like an infinite tunnel.
The “666” Challenge: Walking up takes about 45–60 minutes and is steep! Legend says the 666 arches represent the “snake” (the devil) being crushed by the Madonna (the church at the top).
The best part? Walking the porticoes is completely free, making it the number one activity in my Bologna Budget Guide.
The “Sweat-Free” Option: If you want the views without the cardio, take the San Luca Express. It’s a tourist train that drives alongside the portico up to the summit.
Get here Tickets for the San Luca Express Train & Food Tasting!
2. The Medieval Time Capsule: Casa Isolani
Location: Strada Maggiore, 19. Vibe: Ancient, wooden, uneven.
While most porticoes were later rebuilt in stone, Casa Isolani is one of the few remaining examples from the 13th century. It is supported by massive oak beams that look like they might collapse (don’t worry, they won’t).
Photography Tip: Stand directly underneath and shoot straight up to capture the texture of the 800-year-old wood against the modern sky.
The Legend of the 3 Arrows: Look closely at the wooden ceiling. Legend says three arrows are stuck there. The story goes that three assassins arrived to kill a nobleman, but were distracted by a naked woman in a window and fired their arrows into the roof instead. (Can you find them? Most people can only spot two!).
Looking for the arrows is just one of the many Hidden Gems in Bologna that most tourists walk right past.
Go with a Guide: These historical details are easy to miss. A walking tour is the best way to spot the arrows and learn the secrets of Bologna.
Recommendation: Bologna City Center Walking Tour!
3. The “Luxury” Aisle: Portico del Pavaglione
Location: Via dell’Archiginnasio (next to San Petronio). Vibe: Elegant, grand, high-fashion.
This is the “high street” of Bologna. The portico here is wide, tall, and floored with smooth marble. It runs alongside the Basilica of San Petronio and the old university.
Photography Tip: This is the best spot for “Street Photography.” Wait for a well-dressed local to cycle past a beam of sunlight. The contrast between the dark shadows of the arches and the bright Italian sun is stunning here.
4. The Painted Ceiling: Via Farini (Cassa di Risparmio)
Location: Piazza Cavour / Via Farini. Vibe: Opulent, museum-quality.
Walk down Via Farini towards Piazza Cavour. The ceilings of the porticoes here are not just brick—they are frescoed with floral patterns, mythological scenes, and intricate designs. It feels like walking inside a palace, but you are on a public street.
Photography Tip: This is perfect for a wide-angle shot. Stand in the center of the walkway and try to capture the symmetry of the painted ceiling leading your eye down the street.
5. The “Widest” Portico: Santa Maria dei Servi
Location: Strada Maggiore. Vibe: Gothic, airy, peaceful.
This portico wraps around the church of Santa Maria dei Servi. It is unusually wide and supported by thin, elegant marble columns rather than heavy brick piers. It feels much lighter and more open than the rest of the city.
Photography Tip: Come here at “Golden Hour” (1 hour before sunset). The sun hits the pale columns perfectly, turning the whole square a soft, glowing orange.
Practical Tips for Walking the Porticoes
- Wear Grippy Shoes: The marble floors (especially near the university) can be incredibly slippery when wet or humid. Leave the heels at home.
- Safety: The porticoes are very safe, but watch out for cyclists. In Bologna, bikes often ride under the porticoes to avoid traffic. Stick to the right side!
- Tram Construction (2026 Note): Parts of Via Riva di Reno and Via San Felice are currently affected by tram construction. The porticoes listed in this guide (San Luca, Strada Maggiore, Pavaglione) are largely unaffected and open for walks.
Want to find the hidden spots? If you are serious about photography, consider a private photo tour. A local guide knows exactly which archways frame the Two Towers perfectly without the crowds. Check here a Bologna Private Photography Tour!
