One of the most famous symbols of Bologna, in addition to the ancient towers, is certainly represented by its picturesque porticoes, which are also an important architectural and cultural heritage. There is no another city in the world that has as many porticoes as Bologna, spreading from the vast historic centre to the surrounding districts.
Originally, those arcades were made of wood, then later were converted in brick or stone. Despite that, in the city still survive some buildings with wooden porches: some of them dating back to medieval times, others restored at the beginning of the 20th century.
Among the most famous porticoes of Bologna are those of the Casa Isolani in Strada Maggiore, the side porch of the Basilica of St. Giacomo Maggiore, the Pavaglione portico, the portico of the Alemanni, the portico of St. Luca, and the portico of the Certosa.