Santuario Madonna di San Luca

We opted to get the little train up to the Sanctuary from the main plaza in Bologna centre and the wander our way back down along all 666 arches of the Porticoes. The ground and the church are free to visit and the views across the land are stunning. We explored the tower to the viewing platform (which does cost) but it was worth the views. A beautiful site to explore

We decided to walk here from the city centre. It was a long walk nearly 4km and over 1.5 hours. It was a great experience walking through all the porticoes. Amazing views from the top and a satisfying walk to reach the top. The church had Sunday mass, so we had to wait until mass finished so we could walk around inside. Walking up is tiring, recommend to take water and wear comfortable shoes. Can take the mini train from the city centre and that also takes you to the church. We had a great visit, would recommend you visit here, amazing views ans peaceful at the top.

Very lovely visit with the tourist mini train from Bologna. You can also hike to this place but you really have to have very good shoes for that! No flip flops! It was a nice visit, and the rooftop has a nice view! We do recommend!

Breathtaking view from atop the hill. The architecture is awe inspiring. The restoration of the walls leading up is progressing well. There are quite a few steps, so the walk up can be tiring. There is to wheel chair access. So you must be aware of that. Otherwise enjoy the attached photos and please do visit this must see location. There is access by car, taxi , our luca express, by walking up the hill. There was a sign atop that said 4.6km back to the city. Great news is that the entire walk up and down can be effected by walking under covered walkway, so the rain will not be a factor until you arrive at the entrance, where there is no cover.

If you are in Bologna you need to visit this. The climb up the hill was about 3.5k step count, after which you feel a great satisfaction in achieving it. The route is very interesting with good views and prayer stations on the way up. On the way down you have better views out over the city. Worth taking water with you, as you will get very warm, though there is a good amount of shade on the way up if you go in the morning. The church is beautiful with three services that you can attend. The views looking toward and away from the city are fantastic. Once you reach the top there is a toilet, though they request a €0.50 donation in cash. There are some benches in the shade behind the church where you can sit and recover.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is truly a special place, perched on a hill above Bologna. It offers stunning views and also a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. The sanctuary dates back to the 12th century, and its famous 3.8 km-long portico, with 666 arches, was added later to protect the icon of the Virgin Mary as it was brought into the city during religious processions. Portico is probably well known due to cycling races using this hill in some stages. The gradients are brutal, much worse than they seem on TV. When we visited, the entry was free. You can park cca 300 meters down the road.

666 arches and the distance is about 4 kilometers... It was a great experience to reach the basilica by walking through the porticoes! I enjoyed it very much.

You have to buy a ticket if you wany to climb on to the roof but the view in general is already nice. Went here during the san luca week and im surprized that we are allowed to walk to the holy part of the church.