Discover che charm of the porticoes in these cities!
Autumn has already begun in many parts of the world, including Italy.
But did you know that Italian cities can be just as fascinating to explore on rainy days?
Many italian cities are famous for their portici: the porticoes covered walkways supported by arches and columns, sometimes enclosed by walls. They remain today one of the most distinctive and charming features of Italian architecture.
Thanks to them, you can enjoy a city stroll in every season, even during the quieter autumn and winter months.Let’s discover some of the most beautiful porticoed cities to visit in the coming months:
Turin
With its 18 kilometers of stone arcades, Turin is Italy’s second city for the length of its porticoes. Some of these structures date back to the Middle Ages, but the most majestic were built in the 17th century, commissioned by the House of Savoy. Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Castello, and Via Po are among the most iconic spots: perfect for strolling, window shopping, and savoring local specialties in historic cafés.
Bologna
Bologna holds the crown with an extraordinary 53 kilometers of porticoes, 38 of which are in the historic center alone. This network is unique in the world and so remarkable that it has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Their origins go back to the Middle Ages, when makeshift wooden structures, built to expand living spaces, were gradually regularized and transformed into the elegant architectural system we admire today.
Padua
Just 20 minutes by train from Venice, Padua is a vibrant city known for its prestigious university and youthful atmosphere: a refreshing escape from the bustle of Venice. Its porticoes stretch for more than 20 kilometers and are remarkable for their stylistic variety: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Neoclassical, and even modern. One of the city’s most evocative landmarks is the Palazzo della Ragione, surrounded by arcades that still house traditional shops and lively markets.
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