L’Italy it is famous all over the world for its vastness architectural and cultural heritage, of which porticos stand out, a distinctive feature that combines functionality and aesthetics. These covered tunnels not only serve to beautify cities, but also provide shelter from the elements, making city walks more enjoyable.
Meanwhile Bologna is the Italian city best known for its porticoesI, there are many other placeswhich boast excellent paved roads. Let’s explore some of the most beautiful ones together.
Bologna. The Queen of Arcades
Bologna, with its 53 kilometers of arcades, 38 of which are located in the historic centerThe walled city is excellent. This extraordinary network of arcades is unique in the worldso much so that it was a candidate to become A world heritage site recognized by UNESCO.
L’The origins of the Bologna colonnades date back to the Middle Ages, when population growth and the birth of a university required the expansion of residential and commercial areas. The illegal structures, consisting of overhangs supported by columns, were later regulated by a law requiring the construction of columns on new houses and the adaptation of existing ones.
Today, Bologna’s terraces shelter and host many workshops and shops, giving the city an unparalleled charm.
Turin: elegance and monumentality
Turin, with its 18 kilometers of stone arches, it is the second Italian city to have colonnades from these structures. Although some of them are of medieval origin, the most monumental and elegant ones date from the 17th century. created by order of the House of Savoy.
are among the most famous colonnades of Turin Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Castello and Via Powhere visitors can wander around admiring the shop windows and sampling local cuisine in the many historic cafes.
Padua. a riot of architectural styles
Padua is another city notable for its 20 kilometers of colonnades.
The colonnades of Padua are particularly attractive for their stylistic diversification, from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance to Neoclassical and Modern. It is one of the most exciting corners of the city Palace of reasonsurrounded by porticos where the old shops and markets are located.
Cuneo: tradition and modernity
Cuneo with its 8 kilometers of arcades, it is a perfect example of how these structures can combine tradition and modernity. Centered in the historic center, the colonnades of Cuneo date from different eras, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque.
It Through Romathe main artery of the city is characterized brick patios on either side, recently refurbished to return them to their original splendor. The grand neoclassical Piazza Galimberti offers a huge colonnade that houses shops and clubs.
Bolzano. commercial and historical heart
in BolzanoVia dei Portici or Laubenrepresents the original core of the city. About 300 meters longthis street has been the trade center of the city since the end of the 12th century.
The arcades of Bolzano they were built to protect goods and traders from the elementsand still hosts a number of shops today.
Genoa. history and trade
Genoa it is famous for the picturesque porticoes of Via di Sottoripawhich is located in the historical center of the city. It was built in 1125-1133These The oldest public plots in Italyoriginally intended for port trade.
Via XX Settembre, one of the city’s main arteries, is also characterized by long balconies on either side, connecting Piazza della Vittoria with Piazza De Ferrari, the financial and commercial heart of Genoa.
Vigevano. Renaissance luxury
Vigevano, an important center in Lomelina, it is famous for its Piazza Ducaland, one of the most beautiful in Italy. This extraordinary Renaissance urban work it is framed by elegant porticoes built in the mid-19th century.
The square closed on three sides, with the Cathedral rising from the fourth side, is a perfect example of architectural harmony.
Ascoli Piceno. Renaissance harmony
Ascoli Piceno, located in the Marche region, is famous for its Piazza del Popolo, defined as one of the most harmonious squares in Italy.
Surrounded by elegant porticos, the square is welcoming historical buildings of great valuesuch as the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo and the Loggia dei Mercant