Bologna: a public space built by the people, for the people

After Bologna’s unique porticoes have been recognized, Italy has officially become the country with most UNESCO world heritage sites. With 58 entries, Italy is followed by China with 56 and Germany with 51 entries.

For that occasion, mayor of Bologna Matteo Lepore stated: “Hope is a key word for me after two years of COVID-19 and around these porticoes we have to build hope for our community. They are important because it’s a public space built by the people, for the people.”

Mayor Lepore added: “We have an opportunity to tell the world what Italy is all about and Bologna is the heart, culture and the landscape of Italy”.

The porticoes stretch 62 kilometers across the city, the majority in the historical center.

Twelve sections now have the UNESCO title, including at Piazza Cavour and the hundreds of archways leading to the Sanctuary of San Luca. Dating back to the 11th century, they represent Bologna’s cultural evolution.

The other two new entries from Italy include Padua’s 14th century fresco cycles and the Montecatini Terme, a historic thermal town in the province of Pistoia. Other sites on Italy’s prestigious list include Venice and its lagoons, the historical centers of Rome and Siena and Veneto’s prosecco hills.