Ancient and modern porticoes, linked to churches, convents or “senator” palaces, all different and with unique or surprising aspects such as terracotta decorations, columns and capitals: there are seven online itineraries in the heart of “Porticoed Bologna” (and elsewhere) where you can discover the city's architectural heritage.
There are six thematic walking routes and an extensive bicycle path network involving all the porticoes that were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Property in 2021.
The paths were developed by a working group led by Professor Claudio Galli of the University of Bologna with Giulia Roncarati and Silvia Tamerlani. They are published on the interactive map of Tourer.it, the Emilia-Romagna cultural heritage enhancement map portal developed by the Regional Secretariat of the Ministry of Culture.
The six routes provide enthusiasts, tourists and the merely curious with a walking tour through these unmissable porticoes that have to be seen and experienced; not to mention ecclesiastical porticoes in churches and convents, fascinating architectural details and features of the columns and capitals, senator palaces and terracotta decorations. Rounding it all up is a historical itinerary that shows the architectural and functional evolution of the porticoes over the centuries and explains how these structures, born out of practical need, have become part of the city’s identity. The seventh and final itinerary is by bicycle in search of the UNESCO Porticoes.
So you can actually read and prepare your itinerary from home, by downloading the PDF map with short descriptions of the standout elements, or view it on your smartphone directly on the spot. Enhance your experience with the map packed with cultural properties, paths and routes in the vicinity.
You can also enrich the usage of the city's heritage by uploading your own photos directly to the Tourer.it portal. Constantly updated, the site is the outcome of collaboration between institutions, associations and citizens who share the same goal: to increase awareness of the beauty of Emilia-Romagna's cultural heritage and place it at the centre of a sustainable local development drive, made up of walking and bicycle itineraries, as well as civic participation.
