The portico and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca

Bologna is the city of porticoes, so much so that in 2021 this particular architectural element was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And just a few kilometers after the start of Via dei Brentatori, you will come across a record-breaking portico that leads to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca. At 3,796 meters, it is the longest portico in the world.

Shortly after leaving the city center, the path will lead to the historic Porta Saragozza, from where the portico of San Luca begins, first with a flat section and then rising up a hill. The portico, built starting from the 17th century, leads pilgrims from the plains up to the Sanctuary on the Colle della Guardia. Continuing after Porta Saragozza, you will follow the first 300 arches of the portico to the Arco del Meloncello, built in 1732, which carries you across the road and designates the beginning of the uphill stretch towards the Sanctuary of San Luca. This hilly part was completed at the beginning of the 18th century and is dotted with fifteen chapels dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary.

Once you have completed the uphill stretch, you will finally arrive at the Sanctuary of San Luca, which has stood in its current form since the 18th century. Upon entering, you will be struck by its grandeur and the icon of the Madonna of San Luca, which arrived in the city in the 13th century and has been preserved here ever since. Those who wish to admire a view of Bologna and the surrounding hills can also climb up to the panoramic terrace, built at the base of the Sanctuary’s dome and reachable via a short spiral staircase.