In the shade of the porticoes - 5th section: Pavaglione, Banchi and Piazza Maggiore

The Portico of the Pavaglione is an intersection of history, culture and urban life, where every step we take transports us to another era.

The fifth UNESCO heritage site we explore in Bologna is the Portico of the Pavaglione, which runs alongside Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Galvani

The name Portico of the Pavaglione comes from the ancient term "pavilion", which referred to the silk cocoon market that was held in this spot from the 16th century onwards. Its current appearance, however, was only achieved between 1565 and 1568, when the spectacular façade of the Palazzo dei Banchi was built to hide the nearby market streets and to give Piazza Maggiore a more elegant and harmonious appearance.

From an architectural point of view, in fact, the Portico of the Pavaglione is a splendid example of Bolognese classicism. Its wide, refined arches, supported by stone columns, rise above the Verona red stone floor, whose numerous fossil shells and large circular ammonites can be detected by the trained eye.

During the nineteenth century, the Portico of the Pavaglione – stretching 139 metres  to Via dell 'Archiginnasio and connecting Piazza Maggiore to Piazza Galvani – became an elegant shopping portico, buzzing with a constant flow of high society members and other wealthy figures, who frequented the latest haute-couture boutiques.

Even today, the Portico of the Pavaglione leads to some of the most important buildings in the city, such as the Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio – the ancient seat of the University of Bologna – and the Archaeological Museum. This portico is a lively meeting place, ideal for strolling under its wide arches, window shopping or stopping off for a coffee, nestled in the cultural atmosphere of the city.

"In the shade of the porticoes" is the column that explores the twelve Porticoes of Bologna, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. In addition to offering insights into their history and architecture, the column also tells of the daily life of those who work, travel and live under those porticoes every day.