THE ORIGIN OF THE BOLOGNESE PORCHES
August 01 2024
ART CURIOSITIES BOLOGNA 
The portches and their history
The porticoes are an architectural element originally from the Middle Ages. In Bologna, in the 11th century, the population increased so much, also thanks to the arrival of students at the University of Bologna, that it was necessary to create new spaces for the citizens: as a result, it was decided to extend the attic of the first floors of the houses to the outside, supporting it with diagonally placed wooden beams, called “saettoni”. Later, however, to make more stable these structures called “sporti”, they began to use vertical beams fixed in blocks of selenite, thus giving life to our current porticoes. In order to prevent probable fires, most of the wooden beams were gradually replaced with masonry. Moreover, in 1288 the municipality of Bologna issued a statute establishing the construction of porticoes in every new house and had them added to the already existing houses that were not yet equipped. The porticoes became places of commerce, as artisans used them as shops, while merchants could display their goods underneath them, and eventually they also became popular meeting places for university students.
Curiosities
Here is a very interesting curiosity about our beloved city and the traditions of the citizens of Bologna: a visitor might be surprised if, while inside a condominium building, he noticed the button with the words "throw", which simply indicates the opening of a door.
But where does this word in the Bolognese dialect come from? Its origin dates to the Middle Ages, when all the houses had raised floors due to the construction of the new porticoes. For this reason, when a guest came knocking on the door, the owners of the house literally had to pull a rope to open the door on the ground floor. As you can see, many things have changed over the centuries, but you can still find switches to open a door with the word “throw” written on it!
A walk under the porticoes of Bologna
After discovering these curious and unique elements, wouldn't you like to take a stroll under the magnificent porticoes of Bologna? Maybe even with your beloved furry friend! Our pet-friendly hotel in the center of Bologna can offer you this delightful activity to explore this magical city together. Let Hotel Commercianti welcome you in the heart of Piazza Maggiore, in Bologna, to give you an unparalleled experience in a historic and enchanting setting.
Return
The porticoes are an architectural element originally from the Middle Ages. In Bologna, in the 11th century, the population increased so much, also thanks to the arrival of students at the University of Bologna, that it was necessary to create new spaces for the citizens: as a result, it was decided to extend the attic of the first floors of the houses to the outside, supporting it with diagonally placed wooden beams, called “saettoni”. Later, however, to make more stable these structures called “sporti”, they began to use vertical beams fixed in blocks of selenite, thus giving life to our current porticoes. In order to prevent probable fires, most of the wooden beams were gradually replaced with masonry. Moreover, in 1288 the municipality of Bologna issued a statute establishing the construction of porticoes in every new house and had them added to the already existing houses that were not yet equipped. The porticoes became places of commerce, as artisans used them as shops, while merchants could display their goods underneath them, and eventually they also became popular meeting places for university students.
Curiosities
Here is a very interesting curiosity about our beloved city and the traditions of the citizens of Bologna: a visitor might be surprised if, while inside a condominium building, he noticed the button with the words "throw", which simply indicates the opening of a door.
But where does this word in the Bolognese dialect come from? Its origin dates to the Middle Ages, when all the houses had raised floors due to the construction of the new porticoes. For this reason, when a guest came knocking on the door, the owners of the house literally had to pull a rope to open the door on the ground floor. As you can see, many things have changed over the centuries, but you can still find switches to open a door with the word “throw” written on it!
A walk under the porticoes of Bologna
After discovering these curious and unique elements, wouldn't you like to take a stroll under the magnificent porticoes of Bologna? Maybe even with your beloved furry friend! Our pet-friendly hotel in the center of Bologna can offer you this delightful activity to explore this magical city together. Let Hotel Commercianti welcome you in the heart of Piazza Maggiore, in Bologna, to give you an unparalleled experience in a historic and enchanting setting.