Discover Bologna: porticoes, culture and hotels

When looking for a hotel in Bologna, start by considering the themes you would like to shape your stay: the UNESCO-listed porticoes, the history of the university, archaeological collections or Ducati motorcycles. The connection to the Sanctuary of San Luca and the meridian in the Basilica of San Petronio also give the city distinct cultural points of reference.

Bologna’s porticoes: World Heritage and public use

The Porticoes of Bologna have been listed as a serial UNESCO World Heritage property since 28 July 2021. The property comprises twelve groups of porticoes and the surrounding built-up areas within the municipality of Bologna. The associated buildings date from the 12th century to the present day. The World Heritage property is therefore not limited to a single structure: it connects several groups of porticoes with their respective built surroundings.

In total, Bologna’s porticoes extend for 62 kilometres, forming the world’s largest portico system. They are privately owned but open to public use. This combination of private ownership and public use is as important to understanding the porticoes as their scale. Anyone interested in architectural history and urban space will find a theme that runs throughout descriptions of Bologna without being limited to any one building.

The Archiginnasio and university history

The Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio was built in 1562 and 1563 to provide university teaching in Bologna with a single home. In 1637, the Teatro Anatomico was designed in the building for anatomy lectures. These two facts show different aspects of the same place: its purpose of bringing teaching together under one roof, and the special design of a room for a particular field of study.

Online reservations are mandatory to visit the Teatro Anatomico and the Sala dello Stabat Mater. Check the visitor requirements before your trip if you plan to see these two rooms. This ensures that the reservation requirement is part of your specific plans and is not confused with a general visit to the Palazzo.

Archaeological collections and Ducati

The Museo Civico Archeologico preserves important evidence from every period of life in the Bologna area, spanning from prehistory to the Roman era. Its collection of Egyptian antiquities is a particular highlight and is among the most important in Europe. The museum thus combines a regional perspective on different eras with a collection whose significance extends beyond this historical span.

Another way to explore Bologna’s history is through Ducati. The Ducati Museum tells the company’s story in four exhibition routes, from its beginnings to the present day. On a guided tour of the Ducati factory, visitors are shown the production processes and how Ducati motorcycles are made. Production areas and booking conditions may vary, so check the tour information in advance.

San Luca, San Petronio and Cassini’s meridian

The Sanctuary of San Luca is connected to Bologna city centre by a four-kilometre portico. The portico has more than 600 arches and is described as the longest in the world. Its length and number of arches give the connection a tangible scale; at the same time, it leads to the sanctuary, making it a distinct highlight alongside the porticoes within the city.

The Basilica of San Petronio stands in Piazza Maggiore and is considered Bologna’s largest and most important church. The basilica is also home to astronomer Cassini’s 67.27-metre meridian, described as the longest in the world. Here, the church and the meridian offer two distinct points of interest: the building’s prominent status and an astronomical instrument with a precisely stated length.

Food culture at the Mercato di Mezzo

Tastings and food culture events are frequently held at the Mercato di Mezzo. If you would like to include one of these events in your plans, check the dates in advance. Alongside the historical and cultural highlights, these events add another dimension to a stay in Bologna.

Discover more destinations: Zola Predosa, Baragazza, Tolè, Pian del Voglio, Mordano, San Pietro In Casale, Fiumetto, Castel San Pietro Terme.

For the broader travel overview: Bologna.