Portico di San Luca: storia, orari e consigli per la visita.
History
The Portico di San Luca is the world's longest covered portico: almost 4 km and 666 arches connecting central Bologna, from Porta Saragozza, to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on the Colle della Guardia. It was built between 1674 and 1793 to let pilgrims reach the sanctuary sheltered from the weather.
Did you know…
- Considered the longest covered portico in the world: almost 4 km and 666 arches.
- It took over a century to build, between 1674 and 1793.
- In 2021 Bologna's porticoes, including this one, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practical information
| Hours | The portico is always freely accessible, 24 hours a day. The Sanctuary has its own hours, generally 7:00-19:00. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free access to both the walkway and the Sanctuary. |
| Accessibility | The route is a steady uphill climb (about 3.8 km, roughly 200 m of elevation gain): not suitable for reduced mobility along the whole route without assistance. |
| Getting there | Starting point at Porta Saragozza, reachable on foot from the centre or by city bus. Alternatively, a shuttle/tourist bus service reaches the Sanctuary for those who don't want to walk the whole climb. |
Tips for your visit
- Only walk it if you're reasonably fit: it's a continuous uphill climb of nearly 4 km. A shuttle service is also available.
- The view from the Sanctuary over the city and plain is among the finest in Bologna, especially at sunset.
Frequently asked questions
About 1-1.5 hours of steady uphill walking, at tourist pace, for the nearly 4 km to the Sanctuary.