I was visiting Bologna last December. Bologna is famous not only for its pasta sauce and several other foods but also for its porticos. In total, there are over 45 km (28 miles) of arcades, some 38 in the city center. Bologna is officially the “City of Porticoes” following its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as announced on 28 July 2021. While strolling in the historic center, I came across this bookstore which uses part of the arcade in front of its store front to display books and magazines.
Libreria Nanni is located at Via Dè Musei, 8 – under il Portico della Morte (Portico of Death) – its name arising from the nearby old Hospital of Santa Maria della Morte, which now houses the Archaeological Museum.
The bookstore was founded by the Marchesi family in the early nineteenth century became a reference point for students, scholars and bibliophiles. It was acquired by Arnaldo Nanni in 1900’s. This is the oldest bookstore in the city of Bologna.
It was just 7pm and the store keepers were closing down the store and moving some of the displayed books inside. I quickly wandered inside to look around.
Apparently, this bookstore was frequented by the well-known writer and film director – Pier Paolo Pasolini – murdered in 1975 unfortunately.
The bookstore also specializes in ancient books as well as old and rare magazines and comics – see the shelves behind the counter.
They also sell text books but it is in the back behind the wall of ancient books.
Judging by the age of the stalls, it is quite likely that books and magazines have been displayed this way for many years.
Old Architectural Digest …
comics …
… and travel magazines
If you are curious about bookstore, click here to see a renovated bookstore – Rizzoli – in a central shopping arcade in Milano.
Our next post will be about one of the newest bookstore in Bologna. Don’t miss it.