Religious feasts and traditions in Bologna: date, tradizione e consigli per partecipare.
History
The religious feast most felt by the people of Bologna is the Madonna di San Luca: a tradition dating back to 1433, when the Byzantine icon kept in the Sanctuary on the Guardia hill was carried into the city to invoke the end of a period of calamities. Since then, every year, the image retraces the same path.
Upcoming dates
Descent of the Madonna di San Luca
📍 From the Sanctuary of San Luca to the Cathedral
The icon leaves the Sanctuary and is carried in procession to the Cathedral, where it stays on display for a week.
Return to the Sanctuary
📍 From the Cathedral to the Sanctuary of San Luca
Return procession along the portico, with stops to bless the city.
Dates may change: always check official channels before planning your visit.
What to see
On the Sunday before Ascension Day (a movable date tied to the liturgical calendar — typically between mid-May and early June), the icon of the Madonna di San Luca descends from the Sanctuary along the Portico di San Luca to the Cathedral of San Pietro, where it remains on display for a week. On Ascension Sunday, after the solemn mass, the icon returns in procession to the Sanctuary, with stops for blessings at Piazza Malpighi, Porta Saragozza and the Arco del Meloncello.
It's one of the few times of year the entire Portico di San Luca route comes alive with a popular procession, not just tourists and walkers.
Did you know…
- The tradition has over 590 years of unbroken history, since 1433.
- The procession route follows exactly the Portico di San Luca, the same one you can walk any day of the year.
Practical information
| Hours | The detailed programme (mass times, route, stops) is published every year by the Diocese of Bologna and the Municipality, generally in April. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free and open participation. |
Tips for your visit
- Exact dates change every year because they're tied to Easter: check the updated calendar on the Diocese of Bologna's website (chiesadibologna.it) or bolognawelcome.com.
- If you want to experience the atmosphere without the procession crowds, you can walk the Portico di San Luca on any ordinary day — still one of the city's finest experiences (see the dedicated page).