Santuario Madonna di San Luca

The Portico di San Luca Walk is a stunning and memorable pilgrimage from the heart of Bologna to the Basilica of San Luca, perched atop Colle della Guardia. This unique covered walkway, or portico, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the longest in the world, stretching for almost four kilometers. As you embark on this journey, be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding ascent. The walk begins near Porta Saragozza and is a gradual incline at first. However, it soon becomes a steep climb, making decent footwear an absolute necessity. The path is paved, but the continuous uphill gradient demands sturdy shoes to ensure comfort and stability. The entire portico consists of 666 arches, and while the number of steps isn't officially counted, the sheer length and vertical climb are substantial. This walk is particularly intense in the summer heat, so it's highly recommended to do it early in the morning before the sun is at its peak. Bringing plenty of water is crucial to stay hydrated. Additionally, a small towel for your neck is a wise choice, as you are guaranteed to sweat a lot. The effort is well worth it, as the portico offers not only shelter but also breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and city as you ascend. Reaching the magnificent Basilica of San Luca at the top provides a sense of accomplishment and a truly unforgettable panoramic vista.

A charming location on the hills, and you can see Bologna from there. The climb up the hill via stairs is tiring and time-consuming, so I recommend taking the small train up and down the hill on foot when returning to the city, so you don't miss anything. At the church, you can buy a ticket to climb to the church dome; in my opinion, the view is no different from the view from the hill and the church, and it's not worth paying extra to climb a few more steps.

Prepare for a long walk and a steep climb - but it’s well worth it for the views and to visit the interior. I didn’t know much about it before visiting, but even though it was a hot day, and there were many many steps - I still enjoyed it. The interior is absolutely beautiful, and it’s very peaceful and serene to sit inside.

It is truly a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The sanctuary offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and reflection. The architecture is stunning and contributes to a sense of awe. You can enjoy some great views from the sanctuary. Overall, it is an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Beautiful church on top of the Colle Della Guardia hill in Bologna. Its a decent walk to the top under the portion di san luca. There are also 15 religious mysteries to read and view on the way up. The view is also beautiful of.the surrounding hills and towns. We jumped on the hire bikes to get to the bottom, for the start. Highly recommend.

San Luca is breathtaking in any weather. On foggy days the hill feels wrapped in a soft, magical veil; on sunny days the views open wide and glow. A peaceful, unforgettable walk under the long portico, absolutely not to be missed, especially on a weekend.

If one had to walk all the way up under the cover of the "Cordici" it's a guarantee that if its raining one don't get wet. Cordici is a path build by benefactors made of arches. One should experience this walk and the spectacular view of Bologna.

Though I didn't get in as it was already late to get in nor ask for information. The route walking there is mostly for sportive people. The stairs, steep hill walking there made me regret going there but was the most rewarding experience ever seeing the church. A lot if money is needed to maintain it as already peeling off.