Madonna del Baraccano : Piazza del Baraccano, 2, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

The Baraccano is one of Bologna's most charming places. The entire complex surrounding the square on Via Santo Stefano is particularly evocative and well-preserved. Unfortunately, the square in front of the church is a parking lot. But it's still worth a visit.

The church, originally a chapel, was built in 1403 to protect from the elements the image of a "Madonna and Child" painted on an internal wall of the city walls beneath an arch that served as a support for a patrol path. The portico was …

One of Bologna's most evocative monuments, perhaps deserving of greater attention. The square in front of the church, which serves as a parking lot, is a disgrace to the beauty of this marvelous place.