The porticoes of the city of Bologna, with a total length of 38 kilometers, constitute a distinctive feature of the city, which appeared since the Middle Ages. They were first built in the 11th century during a period of expansion of the city by using public space for private purposes.
The building of porticoes became regulated by law in 1288 were they became compulsory in all streets where it was useful, as use of public space under private ground. From 1363 onwards it was no longer allowed to use wood for the construction of porticoes, and since 1567 all wooden porticoes should be replaced by brick or stone.