Portici di Bologna

This long portico (139 meters) has taken its name from a word in Bolognese dialect "pavaian". This means a silk scarf market. This important market used to take place in the square opposite the portico. It attracted people (and their money) from everywhere. Pope Pius IV had the portico built in 1562 by Antonio Morandi. Ever since it has been one of the main places for Bolognese society to go out walking. Often there are strains of beautiful melodies resonating along the porticoes since it has become popular with romantic musicians. The entrances to the city's Museo Civico Archeologico and the Archiginnasio building are both under these porticoes.