Sanctuary of San Luca Bologna, the Comprehensive guide to the visit
Discover the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca Bologna and its famous hills: how to get there, where to start, the walk under the portico, and much more!
Opening hours, celebrations, and the history of one of Bologna’s most beloved landmarks.
Find out everything you need to know about this iconic site that watches over the city of Bologna!
If you’re planning a visit to Bologna or you’re already in town, I highly recommend including a stop at the magnificent Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca in your itinerary. This fascinating place of worship is one of the city’s most distinctive symbols, watching over Bologna’s daily life from the heights of Colle della Guardia and always welcoming home those returning from a journey!
As a local from Bologna, I feel deeply connected to this place, just like most of my fellow citizens. In this article, I will gladly guide you through discovering this beloved tourist destination and historic site in Bologna. I’ll cover the various routes to reach it from the city center and provide you with all the necessary and useful information for your visit.
COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:
The History of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca Bologna
The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca stands on a wooded hill known as Colle della Guardia, rising nearly 300 meters above the city of Bologna. A chapel has existed on this hill for over a millennium, with the original church built in 1193.
The current structure, initiated by Carlo Francesco Dotti in 1723, was completed in 1765, after 42 years of work. Giovanni Giacomo Dotti completed the dome, the façade, and the side tribunes in 1774, based on his father’s designs. The building has a circular plan with Greek cross arms, a single corridor, and a majestic dome supported by a large drum. Behind the presbytery, a staircase leads to a gallery that houses the icon.
The main altar, designed by Venturoli in 1815, is richly decorated. According to legend, a Greek pilgrim-hermit received a painting of the Madonna and Child during a pilgrimage to Constantinople. The icon, attributed to the evangelist Luke, was brought to the “Mount of the Guard” near Bologna, as noted in an inscription on the artwork.
Today, the sacred icon attracts devoted pilgrims, creating a feeling of maternal protection over them, especially when approaching the altar via the staircase.
Every May, the people of Bologna celebrate the Madonna of San Luca by transporting the icon from the Sanctuary to the Cathedral of San Pietro on Via Indipendenza (in the heart of the city center) in a solemn procession.
The icon remains in the city center for a week and is then returned to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca with a long procession. The city pays homage to the Madonna as she passes, adorning windows with red drapes along the route.
A peculiar phenomenon has been observed for centuries during the descent and ascent of the Madonna of San Luca: it always rains! It’s a mathematical certainty, yet inexplicable. Every year, the processions are accompanied by heavy rain. Perhaps the Madonna of San Luca doesn’t want to be moved and expresses her displeasure by making it rain….?
The Portico of San Luca
To reach the San Luca Bologna, one must travel along or beside the Portico of San Luca, itself a famous landmark of the city. This covered walkway begins at the start of Via Saragozza and ends at the entrance of the Sanctuary, at the top of Colle della Guardia.
The portico features 666 arches, 498 steps, and 15 chapels. With its 3,796 meters (almost 3.8 km), it is the longest portico in the world. The flat stretch, from the Arco Bonaccorsi in front of Porta Saragozza to the Meloncello Arch, consists of 316 arches and is 1.52 km long. The last 2 km, from the Meloncello Arch to the entrance of the Sanctuary, includes a 10% incline and several steps.
The Portico leading to the Basilica carries a hidden symbolic meaning. It represents a serpent, a symbol of evil, highlighted by the 666 arches. On the other hand, the Basilica symbolizes the Virgin Mary defeating the serpent, representing the triumph of Good over Evil. This is also one of the seven secrets hidden in Bologna.
How to Get to San Luca
To reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca from city center, you have several transportation options to choose from.
On Foot
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the landscape, I highly recommend taking a walk along the Portico of San Luca.
Walking under this 18th-century portico is a unique and memorable experience, offering shelter from the elements while allowing you to calmly take in the extraordinary views along the way. It truly is one of the most enchanting activities to do in Bologna!
There are several starting points for this walk to the Sanctuary of San Luca, and you can begin from almost any part of Bologna. Some people choose to start from Piazza Maggiore, in the heart of the historic center, while I enjoy starting from the iconic Porta Saragozza (accessible by bus line 20), which is also home to the city museum dedicated to the Madonna of San Luca.
Alternatively, if you’re eager to walk but have limited time, you can consider starting the route from the Meloncello Arch (also accessible via bus line 20), another historic and striking landmark along the way, as well as the starting point of the uphill climb. From Meloncello, it takes about 30 minutes of walking uphill to reach your destination. The choice of where to start depends on your preferences and convenience—you can immerse yourself in Bologna’s vibrant city life or begin your journey from a quieter area.
During this walk to San Luca, take your time to admire the breathtaking views of the city, the arches, and the covered walkway that will accompany you. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to work up a bit of a sweat! Watch out for athletes and runners zipping up and down under the portico!
San Luca Express Train
If you’re looking for a comfortable and scenic way to reach the Sanctuary, consider taking the San Luca Express rubber-tired train; it departs from Piazza Maggiore in the city center every 40 minutes (with very few exceptions).
This option offers a pleasant journey with a guide speaking both Italian and English, who will provide brief explanations during the trip, allowing you to enjoy stunning views of the countryside along the way.
The round trip costs 10 euros and can also be booked online, here.
Bus 58
For those who prefer a more practical option, Bus 58 provides frequent service to reach the Sanctuary and return to Bologna. It departs from Villa Spada, just outside Porta Saragozza, and takes you to the base of the Basilica. Enjoy panoramic views of Bologna’s hills through the bus windows.
The ticket costs the same as a standard urban fare on Tper buses: €1.40 if purchased at a tobacconist or €1.50 if bought onboard, and it is valid for 60 minutes.
(The schedule for the bus line is available at this link).
By Bicycle
For a convenient and scenic alternative, cycling is a great choice. The road leading to the church is often part of amateur and professional cycling races, such as the Giro d’Italia.
Using the MOOve app, you can rent the iconic white and orange bikes scattered throughout the city. Simply download the app to borrow a bike and park it again once you’ve returned downhill.
You can also join a group bike tour, which includes a stop at San Luca Bologna!
The Sanctuary of San Luca Bologna
You’ve finally arrived at the Sanctuary of San Luca! If you made your way up on foot or by bike, take a moment to catch your breath and admire the stunning destination you’ve reached.
The Sanctuary, a symbol of devotion and faith, provides an ideal setting for reflection. I recommend spending a few minutes sitting in the small garden to meditate or simply take a rejuvenating break while enjoying the breathtaking panorama.
Begin your exploration by focusing on the magnificent architecture of the 18th-century Basilica. Its imposing presence atop the hill will undoubtedly captivate you. Take time to admire the incredible details of this religious site.
Inside the Sanctuary, you’ll be enchanted by the extraordinary architecture and the artworks adorning the interiors. Be sure to explore the various chapels and religious artifacts that reflect the deep spirituality of this sacred place.
For an even more unforgettable experience, I highly recommend the Sky Experience. This allows you to climb the ancient spiral staircases to the attic of the Sanctuary, where you’ll find the highest accessible dome in Europe. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of Bologna’s iconic red rooftops from a truly exclusive perspective!
Tips for Visiting the Sanctuary of San Luca Bologna
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes to tackle the climb to the Sanctuary, which includes approximately 6 miles of travel from Piazza Maggiore. The route is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, but proper footwear is essential.
Opening Hours
Check the Basilica’s opening hours before your visit. Currently, the Sanctuary is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For the latest updates, consult the official website.
The Sky Experience is available only from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, and from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.
Guided Tour
Book in advance if you’re interested in guided tours or special events. You can make reservations directly through the official website.
The Museum of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca
Not everyone knows that within the Cassero di Porta Saragozza, built in 1858 to frame the solemn annual processions dedicated to the Madonna, lies a museum devoted to Marian worship, tracing its journey through the centuries and showcasing the deep veneration of the image of the Madonna.
The museum’s exhibits act as an invisible thread, guiding you through centuries of devotion, from ancient traditions to contemporary artistic expressions. It’s a vibrant hub of activity and learning, offering educational workshops for schools, family-friendly activities, and fascinating guided tours that make each visit a unique opportunity for discovery.
The museum is free of charge and open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
I hope that in this article you have found all the information you need to visit the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca in Bologna!
Pin it on Pinterest
Do you want to ask me for advice, share your opinions, suggest something to do or see, or simply… say hello?
Leave me a comment below or,
I’ll be waiting for you on my FACEBOOK page LETYGOESON
on the INSTAGRAM profile @letygoeson
Or follow me on Pinterest so you will not miss any of my travel articles, itineraries, tips, and food recommendations.
See you there!
0 Comments