Santuario Madonna di San Luca: A Pilgrimage Above Bologna
Discover Bologna's iconic hilltop sanctuary, connected by the world's longest portico, offering art, history, and panoramic views.
Perched atop the Colle della Guardia, the Santuario Madonna di San Luca is a prominent basilica overlooking Bologna. Connected to the city by a nearly 4km-long portico featuring 666 arches, it houses a revered Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary and offers stunning panoramic views. A significant pilgrimage site, it blends religious devotion with architectural beauty.
A brief summary to Santuario Madonna di San Luca
- Via di San Luca, 36, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, 40135, IT
- +390516142339
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
- Thursday 7 am-7 pm
- Friday 7 am-7 pm
- Saturday 7 am-7 pm
- Sunday 7 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Walk the entire portico from Bologna's city center for a unique pilgrimage experience.
- Check the San Luca Express schedule for a convenient ride to the top.
- Visit during the annual procession in May to witness a significant local tradition.
- Climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking panoramic views of Bologna.
Getting There
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Walking
From Porta Saragozza, begin your ascent along the Portico di San Luca. The entire walk is approximately 3.8 km and takes about an hour. Follow the continuous covered walkway, passing under all 666 arches. This route is free, offering a scenic and sheltered path to the sanctuary.
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Public Transport
From Bologna city center, take bus 20 towards Villa Spada. From Via Rizzoli (weekdays) or Piazza Malpighi (weekends), ride to the Villa Spada stop. From Villa Spada, transfer to minibus 58, which goes directly to the Sanctuary. A single bus ticket costs €2.30. Alternatively, a 24-hour day pass for unlimited travel costs €9. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes.
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Taxi
From Bologna city center (e.g., Piazza Maggiore), a taxi ride to Santuario di San Luca typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Bologna start at €3.90, with a per-kilometer rate of €1.45 within the city. A short trip should cost approximately €15-€25. Keep in mind that there may be additional charges for luggage (€0.60 per piece).
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Porta Saragozza
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Via Bagni Di Mario, 10
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Porta San Felice
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Porta San Felice, Bologna
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Complesso monumentale di San Michele in Bosco (BO)
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Oratorio dello Spirito Santo
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Piazza De' Celestini
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Porta Lame
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Raccolta Lercaro
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Devotional Portico of St. Luke
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San Pellegrino Park
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Parco Talon
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Punto panoramico salita di San Luca
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Parco Tarassaco - Giunchi
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Villa Spada
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Parco della Chiusa
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Certosa di Bologna
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Villa Ghigi
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Freakout Club
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NightClub Big Bijou
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