Strada Maggiore: the street of palaces
2 minutes
Walking along Strada Maggiore is like leafing through a one-kilometre-long book on the history of architecture. From the mighty wooden porticoes of the Middle Ages to the monumental façades of the 18th century, the street is dotted with noble residences and senators' palaces that house secret courtyards and precious frescoes.
Casa Isolani: The Wooden Giant
What makes this building unmistakable is its very high medieval portico, supported by imposing oak beams about 9 metres high that support the third floor. Passing through the doorway, you enter an evocative shopping arcade that connects Strada Maggiore to Piazza Santo Stefano, where the inner courtyards house elegant shops and historic venues.
• Interesting fact: In the ceiling of the portico, you can see three arrows embedded. Legend has it that three brigands, ready to attack a local squire, were distracted by the beauty of a naked girl looking out of the window and missed their target. Finding them is one of the favourite challenges for tourists.
The Portico dei Servi: Elegance and Devotion
Built from 1392 onwards, it is one of the first masonry porticoes in the city. Designed as an elegant open-air atrium, it is the largest in Bologna. Inside the Basilica dei Servi, you can admire the Maestà by Cimabue, a masterpiece of the Italian Middle Ages.
• Interesting fact: Under these vaults, the traditional Santa Lucia Fair takes place, the oldest Christmas market in Bologna, where you can buy typical desserts and figurines for the Bolognese nativity scene, such as the Dormiglione and the Meraviglia.
Alemanni Complex: The Primato Fuori Porta
Located beyond Porta Maggiore, this 17th-century jewel boasts a 650-metre portico with 167 arches. It was the first portico built outside the city walls. The Sanctuary houses the fresco of the Madonna and Child and splendid quadratura paintings by masters such as Canuti and Colonna.
Interesting fact: Although the San Luca portico is the longest, the Alemanni portico (Via Mazzini) holds the record of being the first true portico built outside the city walls in Bologna in the 17th century.
Palazzo Hercolani: Aristocratic Splendour
Built at the end of the 18th century, it represents the utmost splendour of the Bolognese aristocracy. Today, it is home to the Faculty of Political Science and remains a lively centre of city life.
• Interesting fact: It is famous for the spectacular monumental staircase by Giacomo De Maria and for the Boschereccia, a charming winter garden entirely covered in frescoes.
Palazzo Davia Bargellini: The Giants without a Portico
Home to the Civic Museum of Industrial Art, it houses 18th-century carriages, carved furniture and fine ceramics.
• Interesting fact: Unlike the other buildings, this palazzo does not have a portico: at the time, this architectural choice symbolised high social status. The portal is supported by two imposing sandstone telamons, known by the people of Bologna as the "Giants".
Palazzo Sanguinetti: The Temple of Music
Home to the International Museum and Library of Music, the palace welcomes visitors to frescoed rooms that retrace six centuries of European musical history through rare instruments and precious volumes.
• Interesting fact: Among the most precious treasures are the exam paper of a very young Mozart and the original portraits of giants such as Bach and Farinelli.
