The San Luca portico, almost four kilometres under cover up to the hill.

A continuous portico built between 1674 and 1721 linking the city with its sanctuary. Rain or shine, you are under cover the whole way.

What it is and why climb it

Bologna is the city of porticoes, and since 2021 UNESCO has recognised them as World Heritage. The San Luca one is the longest: 3,796 metres from the city wall to the sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, on top of the Colle della Guardia, at about 280 metres above sea level. It was designed by Gian Giacomo Monti, and every year the procession carrying the icon of the Virgin to the city goes up and down it.

Walking up is how the Bolognese go to the sanctuary, whether to pray, to train or out of Sunday habit. On the way you find the fifteen chapels of the mysteries of the rosary and, at the end, a wide view of the city and the plain, with the hills of the Apennines around.

Who it suits

Anyone who can walk for an hour. The first kilometre and a half is flat and the final slope, although steep, has landings and steps. It works with children who walk well and with dogs. With a pushchair, the flat stretch is easy, but the climb is complicated by steps: in that case, go up on the tourist train.

If you have knee problems, walk up and come down by train: the descent on steps puts more strain on them than the climb.

The sanctuary

The present basilica dates from the 18th century, the work of Carlo Francesco Dotti, who began the reconstruction in 1723. Inside is venerated a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and Child, 65 × 57 cm, covered since 1625 by a silver sheet that leaves only the faces visible. Every year the icon is carried down in procession to the city and returns to its sanctuary; the celebrations fall on the Sunday after the Ascension: if you coincide, you will see the portico full of the faithful.

When to go

All year. The portico protects you from rain and sun, so it is a good plan even on a grey day, although the views from the top are better with a clear sky. In summer go up early: the slope is hot. On Sunday mornings many Bolognese are walking up; on weekdays it is quieter.

What it costs

Nothing, if you go up and down on foot. The San Luca Express, the tourist train that leaves from Piazza Maggiore and runs up beside the portico, costs €15 return per person, €8 for ages 6 to 10 and €3 for under-5s. It has an audio guide in ten languages, Spanish included. The ticket is not refundable and gives you a place on the first available train on the chosen day.

If it rains

It is one of the few walks that improve in the rain: you are under cover from start to finish. All you lose is the view from the sanctuary.