Is the walk to San Luca difficult?

It is considered a challenging walk due to the steady uphill climb and many steps. While the portico provides shade, the physical exertion is significant, so it is best for those with moderate fitness levels.

What is the best time to visit San Luca?

The best time is early morning, especially during the summer months, to avoid the heat. Sunset also offers beautiful views from the top, though the Sanctuary interior may close before the sun fully sets.

Are there 666 arches in the San Luca portico?

Yes, the portico is famous for having 666 numbered arches. This number is traditionally associated with the devil, symbolizing the snake being defeated by the Virgin Mary at the top of the hill.

Can I reach San Luca without walking?

If you prefer not to walk, you can take the San Luca Express, a small tourist train that departs from Piazza Maggiore, or take public bus line 58 from Villa Spada.

Is the Sanctuary of San Luca free to enter?

Entry to the main Basilica of the Sanctuary is free for visitors. However, there is a small fee if you wish to climb to the panoramic cupola or visit specific museum areas.

Is the San Luca portico a UNESCO site?

Yes, the Portico of San Luca is part of the 'Porticoes of Bologna' UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its cultural and architectural significance.

Can I do this walk with a stroller?

It is not recommended. While the first section from Porta Saragozza to Meloncello is flat, the actual ascent consists of many stairs and steep ramps that are very difficult to navigate with a stroller.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Bologna is a city defined by its porticoes, but none are as iconic as the one leading to the Sanctuary of San Luca. This self-guided walk follows the world’s longest porticoed path, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches nearly four kilometers from the city gates to the summit of Colle della Guardia. It is a journey of both architectural wonder and spiritual significance, historically traversed by pilgrims seeking the intercession of the Virgin Mary. As you explore independently, you will witness the transition from the bustling urban atmosphere of the Saragozza neighborhood to the tranquil, green hills overlooking the city. The route begins at the monumental Porta Saragozza, once the "Gate of Pilgrims," and leads through the magnificent Arco del Meloncello. From there, the real ascent begins. The portico features 666 arches, a number often interpreted as symbolic of the serpent being crushed by the Sanctuary at the top. This walking route offers more than just a physical challenge; it provides a deep dive into the soul of Bologna. You will reach the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, a masterpiece of 18th-century Baroque architecture that houses a sacred Byzantine-style icon. For those seeking the best vistas, the San Luca Experience allows for a climb to the cupola, offering a 180-degree panoramic view of the Apennines and the red rooftops of the city. To conclude this neighborhood stroll, the path winds down into the lush Parco della Chiusa, where the industrial history of the Reno River meets the natural beauty of the Bolognese countryside. This self-guided adventure is perfect for those who want to combine a rigorous workout with a rich cultural and religious history, all while moving at their own pace.

Highlights

Walk the world's longest portico, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 666 arches

Admire the Baroque architecture of the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca

See the historic Porta Saragozza, the 13th-century gateway for pilgrims

Experience the panoramic views from the San Luca cupola

Explore the lush greenery and historic dam at Parco della Chiusa

Cross the theatrical Arco del Meloncello, an 18th-century pedestrian bridge

Tour Stops (6)

Porta Saragozza

Your self-guided walk begins at Porta Saragozza, one of the original 12 gates of Bologna’s medieval walls. Rebuilt in the 19th century in its current form, it earned the nickname 'Porta dei Pellegrini' or Gate of Pilgrims. For centuries, this was the starting point for those traveling from the city center to the Sanctuary on the hill. Look up at the circular towers and the crenelated walls; they hint at the defensive importance of the city before it became the 'Portico City.' From here, the first stretch of the portico is flat and urban, serving as a gentle introduction to the nearly four-kilometer journey ahead. This gateway symbolizes the boundary between the secular world of the city and the sacred path leading upward.

Arco del Meloncello

As you continue your walking route, you arrive at the Arco del Meloncello. This theatrical Rococo-style structure is more than just a bridge; it is a masterpiece of 18th-century engineering designed by Carlo Francesco Dotti. It was built to solve a practical problem: allowing the religious procession to cross the busy road without interrupting traffic or exposing the sacred icon to the elements. Notice how the portico suddenly lifts off the ground, curving gracefully over the street. This is the official turning point where the path leaves the flat city streets and begins its steep climb up the Colle della Guardia. Take a moment here to appreciate the architectural harmony that blends urban utility with artistic elegance.

Devotional Portico of St. Luke

Now the true ascent begins. This stretch of the Portico of San Luca is famous for its 666 arches. Many believe the number was chosen intentionally to represent the devil—the serpent—winding its way up the hill, only to be crushed by the church at the summit. As you climb, you will notice small devotional chapels and plaques along the walls, donated by wealthy families and guilds over the centuries. The architecture here is designed to keep you sheltered from Bologna's sun and rain, a testament to the city's commitment to accessibility for all pilgrims. The rhythmic repetition of the arches creates a meditative atmosphere, though the steep incline will certainly test your stamina as the views of the valley begin to open up.

Santuario Madonna di San Luca

You have reached the summit. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is a beacon for Bolognese citizens, often the first landmark they see when returning home. The current building was completed in 1723 and sits 300 meters above sea level. Inside, the main attraction is the icon of the Virgin with Child, which tradition claims was painted by Luke the Evangelist and brought here from Constantinople in the 12th century. The interior is a riot of Baroque decoration, with grand altars and dramatic lighting. Whether you are here for religious reasons or architectural interest, the sense of peace at the top of the hill is palpable, offering a stark contrast to the busy city below.

Cupola e Cripta di San Luca - San Luca Experience

For the highest perspective in Bologna, explore the San Luca Experience. This allows you access to the sanctuary's cupola, one of the highest panoramic points in the region. To reach it, you will climb narrow stairs that lead to an external gallery. From here, the view is staggering: to one side, the red-tiled roofs and medieval towers of Bologna; to the other, the rolling green foothills of the Apennines. You can also visit the crypt, which offers a quieter, more somber look at the foundations of this sacred site. It is the perfect place to capture photographs of the surrounding landscape and understand the strategic and spiritual height of the Colle della Guardia.

Parco della Chiusa

To finish your self-guided adventure, follow the path leading down the opposite side of the hill towards Casalecchio di Reno. You will enter the Parco della Chiusa, also known as Parco Talon. This vast green space was once the estate of the Marquis Talon. The park's highlight is the Chiusa di Casalecchio, a historic dam on the Reno River. Built in the 14th century, it is the oldest hydraulic structure in Europe still in continuous use, once powering the silk mills that made Bologna wealthy. The park offers a peaceful conclusion to your walk, with shaded paths and river views, providing a natural escape before you head back to the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk from Porta Saragozza to the Sanctuary usually takes between 60 to 90 minutes depending on your pace. The total distance is nearly 4 kilometers, with a significant incline starting at Arco del Meloncello.