These 38 kilometers of covered walkways define the city of Bologna. For the past thousand years, they have played an important role in the city's lifestyle as extensions of private homes so people could have sheltered public spaces. Apparently, this became increasingly important during the years of the University of Bologna's major development when students from all over Europe came and needed housing. Today, they serve as sheltered walkways and are also filled with cafes and such.
Their prominence and architectural significance have placed them on the consideration list in being named as UNESCO World Heritage.
