On 7 December 2024, at Palazzo Boncompagni in Bologna, the event MagnifiSCENT: The Scents of the Porticoes of Bologna took place, organised by the Emilia Romagna Region members of the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO (AIGU) to celebrate the recent recognition of the Porticoes of Bologna as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The initiative, with more than 120 registrations, involved numerous guests and sponsors of international standing.
The event explored the connection between Bologna’s porticoes and the history of perfumery, through a multisensory narrative guided by experts such as Salvatore Capizzi and Ermano Picco, who recounted the interweaving of the tradition of the porticoes and the birth of modern perfumery. Highlights included the talks by Barbara Corazza and Martino Cerizza on the celebrated cologne Acqua di Felsina, and the project Sinfonia di Sapori e Profumi, which brought together perfumer Cristiano Canali and chef Lino Rossi in the creation of a fragrance inspired by the Bolognese rice cake.
The final debate on UNESCO themes delved into the enhancement of cultural heritage, while the reception, curated by Ristorante Franco Rossi and Azienda Agricola Due Giardini, celebrated local excellence. The event was a tribute to culture and human ingenuity, offering a unique sensory experience that brought together history, art and tradition.