This component comprises a series of porticoes that intersect at various points. They were built between the 16th and 17th centuries, not only to produce a series of covered promenades, but also to fashion an urban environment characterised by multiple perspectives and strongly scenic telescopic panoramas. Their initial social purpose was public well-being; the modern “civic centre” function of these same buildings is equally inclusive and open to use by the citizenry. They were subsequently noted and studied by many travellers during the old regime. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Baraccano is connected to the portico of Via Santo Stefano by the “voltone del Baraccano”. This great vault was also built to create a visual and spatial connection between the portico of the home for poor children and orphans, and the portico attached to the façade of the Sanctuary.