Portico di San Luca
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Sue Wolfe
About this spot
The Portico di San Luca is the longest covered walkway in the world (3.8 km). Beginning at the Porta Saragozza, the covered walkway crosses the pedestrian bridge of Arco del Meloncello, and winds up the hill to the top of the Colle della Guardia hill. From the Arco del Meloncello, there is a 10% incline to the basilica. Along the way there are 666 arches.
In 1674, the portico was constructed to shelter the Madonna and Child icon as it made its annual descent into Bologna. The portico was built completely with private funding—everyone from rich to poor helped pay for its construction which took 40 years due to the steepness of the hill.
There are 15 chapels along the route that were donated by patron families. Don’t forget to look up to view the occasional ceiling frescoes.
The Portico gives pilgrims shade on the way up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, but it also is a great source of exercise, and you will see many locals walking or running along the route. On the adjacent road you will see cyclists making their way up the hill.
The Portico of San Luca was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2021.
In 1674, the portico was constructed to shelter the Madonna and Child icon as it made its annual descent into Bologna. The portico was built completely with private funding—everyone from rich to poor helped pay for its construction which took 40 years due to the steepness of the hill.
There are 15 chapels along the route that were donated by patron families. Don’t forget to look up to view the occasional ceiling frescoes.
The Portico gives pilgrims shade on the way up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, but it also is a great source of exercise, and you will see many locals walking or running along the route. On the adjacent road you will see cyclists making their way up the hill.
The Portico of San Luca was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2021.
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