Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is a basilica church located in Bologna, northern Italy. It is situated atop the forested hill of Colle (or Monte) della Guardia, approximately 300 metres above the city plain, just southwest of the historical centre. This location offers a panoramic view of the city, making it a popular spot for tourists.

Access to the Sanctuary and the Monumental Portico

While a modern road leads to the sanctuary, it is traditionally accessed via a 3.8 km-long monumental portico consisting of 666 arches. Constructed between 1674 and 1793, this covered arcade is part of the Porticoes of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally designed to shelter the annual procession of the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary from the cathedral in central Bologna to the sanctuary.

The Portico di San Luca and its Significance

The Portico di San Luca is a monumental 3.8-kilometre covered arcade in Bologna, consisting of 666 arches. It links the historic city gate, Porta Saragozza, to the hilltop Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on Colle della Guardia. Constructed between 1674 and 1793, the arcade was originally designed to shelter the annual religious procession in which the icon of the Virgin Mary is carried from the sanctuary to Bologna Cathedral. It is widely recognized as the longest portico in the world and represents one of the most distinctive architectural and cultural landmarks of Bologna. In 2021, the Portico di San Luca was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site titled The Porticoes of Bologna.