Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Mema★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

While the San Luca Express train is an easy option, I highly recommend the authentic experience of walking up the historic porticos. The steady climb rewards you with stunning Baroque architecture and a deep sense of accomplishment once you reach the basilica. The interior is equally breathtaking—a true spiritual and visual masterpiece overlooking the city!

D Kovacova★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

Quite a trek in 27°C but absolutely worth it. I don't understand the comment about thieves from a few days ago, the icon is where she belongs, she just returned from her annual trip to Bologna. It's pretty sad that even this non-religious non-Italian knows she goes to Bologna every year, while a presumably religious Italian throws a tantrum in the reviews.

Giles Polglase★★★★★★★★★★5.09 months ago

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.

MN K★★★★★★★★★★5.07 months ago

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.

Abood Abood★★★★★★★★★★5.05 months ago

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.