Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
Santuario della Madonna di San Luca
A Baroque sanctuary on the hilltop southwest of the city, linked to town by one of the world's longest porticoes, about 3.8 km long with 666 arches.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca sits on Guardia Hill, about 300 metres above the southwest of the old town, and houses an image of the Virgin said to have been painted by Saint Luke. From Porta Saragozza, a portico about 3.8 km long with 666 arches climbs all the way to the hilltop. It is one of the world's longest continuous porticoes and a core component of Bologna's porticoes, which became a World Heritage Site in 2021. The walk up takes about an hour, and the second half is a continuous uphill staircase that is physically demanding. If you'd rather not walk, you can take the San Luca Express sightseeing mini-train from near Piazza Maggiore directly to the top. Entry to the sanctuary is free, and the nearby viewpoint overlooks the Apennine foothills and the Emilian plain. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water in summer.
Opening hours
Arcades open all day; sanctuary approx. 07:00–19:00 (closes earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- Basilica of San Francesco
- MAMbo – Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna
- Palazzo d'Accursio
- Biblioteca Salaborsa
- Ducati Museum & Factory
- Piazza Maggiore & Fountain of Neptune
- Archiginnasio of Bologna
- Basilica of San Petronio