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The Porticos of Bologna
The porticos (covered walkway arcades) of Bologna have been used for over 1,000 years to protect pedestrians from rain, snow and sun. The porticos have become part of the city's planning and are Bologna's distinctive architectural trait. Bologna, unlike other medieval cities, made its porticos mandatory for all streets useful to the public. The law passed in 1288 is still in place, which means new buildings, even those built for private use, must incorporate porticos for public use.
Some wood porticos still remain from the 1300's, but as of 1567 all new Bologna porticos were required to be made from stone. The styles of the porticos vary, reflecting the time they were built and the architects who designed them. 
(24 photos in total)
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