Portico of San Luca
Visitors from Bologna cannot refrain from walking under the portici, the arches that cover so many streets.They are a relieved relief by the summer and shelter sun shelter, as well as provides additional space to stores, which often display goods under them.They started in the eleventh century, like upper floors of buildings in the center of the city, adding more living space and storage over shops and business at the street level.As they became bigger, they needed beams and support pillars and the arches gradually increased.In the 13th century, the new arches were needed to be tall enough for a rider to go on horseback, a rule that led to the elegant arches we see today.In total, Bologna has about 40 kilometers of these portions, of which the longest is about 3.5 kilometers and leads from the city to the peak of Madona di San Luca.This monumental porch has 666 bows and, as it rises, offers views of the surrounding landscapes.This walk is a favorite thing - and free - to do in Bologna Sunday.