Bologna's portico represents the city's important architectural and cultural heritage and, along with its numerous towers, is a symbol of Bologna. No other city in the world has as many porticoes as Bologna. The portico is almost 40 km long in the historic center alone, and 62 km long outside the city center.
Due to its artistic-cultural relevance, from 2021 part of the Bologna Portico has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage cultural asset.
The longest portico in the world is the Portico of San Luca, which is 3,796 meters long and consists of 666 arches. It starts from Arco Bonaccorsi in Porta Saragozza and continues to the top of Colle della Guardia, where the famous Madonna di San Luca sanctuary is located. rises It is a destination for pilgrims to venerate icons of the Virgin and Child.
The portico was constructed between 1674 and 1721 with contributions from all citizens. The project by Camillo Saccenti and Gian Giacomo Monti was completed by Carlo Francesco Dotti, who designed the Arco del Meloncello.[13] Along the portico you can admire the original arch by the architect Monti, the statue of the Fat Madonna and Child by Andrea Ferreri and 15 small chapels depicting the Mysteries of Losar.