Santuario Madonna di San Luca — Attraction in Bologna

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...

If you love walking then this is the walk for you. Starting at the Portico entrance at Meloncello, you’ll walk up the steep pathway to the sanctuary of San Luca. On a clear day it’s worth the extra 100 steps to the top of the dome. If you want to take a different path back to town set your destination for Parco Talon and you’ll have two pathways back to town. One pathway takes you through rugged trails and the other path takes you down a narrow paved road. I wouldn’t take this path without walking sticks because it is narrow and steep in parts and when it’s wet I found it quite slippery. The other path has mostly paved road. Both are lovely as they take you close to nature and it’s always great to listen to the sounds of the birds. This alternate path is in sharp contrast to the portico walk because of all the nature. And leave your navigation on to lead you down if it’s your first time. It’s easy to get turned around in the hills. One day I started to head toward Florence. That works have been a long walk. And make sure to carry water. Always a good idea on a walk. I try to take this walk in most days. It’s strenuous and healthy. I even bought walking sticks which make it easier. It’s part of my daily health ritual. Sometimes I stop in the restaurant at the top for pizza. I...

Panoramic view once there but otherwise it's like one of the many churches. More unique is the arcade that covers the path all the way up or down from the city. If you want to skip the tourist train car from the city center to the top and bottom (£10 pp) and for a quarter of the cost go up and down then do the following : take bus 20 from downtown to villa spada and then take bus 58 to the top ( it follows the arcade path on holidays ). The bus stop is directly next to bus stop 20. Get a brochure from the tourist office. Buy the ticket on the bus for 1.50 or at a tobacco shop for 1.30 (biglette bus oereo. .whatever ). Bus 58 is less frequent so if you miss it don't frown. At villa spada go west of the bus stop at an intersection past the traffic light then go through the gate and walk through the park uphill for maximum 10 min until there is a clearing and you'll get a panoramic view of everything from there. People also picnic up there .bus 58 also goes back from the top to bus 20 and...