Accessibility in Bologna.
History
Bologna has a unique advantage for accessibility: its famous porticoes (almost 40 km within the city, UNESCO World Heritage since 2021) offer covered, generally flat pedestrian routes, useful both for reduced mobility and for shelter from rain and sun.
What to see
The old town is largely flat, but some side streets retain original stone/cobblestone paving, less comfortable for wheelchairs or strollers than asphalt. Bologna Centrale station offers RFI's Sala Blu service for assistance to people with disabilities or reduced mobility, to be booked in advance. The main museums and monuments (Palazzo Re Enzo, civic museums) are generally equipped with accessible entrances or lifts, but it's worth checking case by case, especially for historic buildings like the Two Towers (currently not open to visitors anyway, see the dedicated page).
Did you know…
- Bologna's porticoes were declared UNESCO World Heritage in 2021, partly for their value as accessible, covered pedestrian infrastructure.
Practical information
| Accessibility | Porticoes: covered, mostly flat pedestrian routes across much of the centre. Station: RFI Sala Blu service by booking. |
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Tips for your visit
- Plan your route favouring streets with porticoes, generally easier than the cobbled side streets.
- If you need assistance at the station, book the Sala Blu service in advance via the RFI website.