[2025 Metropolitan City of Bologna Attraction] Travel Guide for Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca (Updated May)

#churches I recently visited the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca in Bologna, and it was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I’ve been to. 🌿 Perched on a hill just outside the city, the sanctuary is famous for its long, arched portico that stretches for almost 4 kilometers from the city up to the church. The walk up through the portico is free and definitely worth it if you’re up for a bit of exercise—it’s an experience in itself with 666 arches guiding you along. Once I reached the top, the sanctuary was breathtaking, both for its serene atmosphere and the stunning view of Bologna below. There’s no entrance fee to the sanctuary, but if you want to climb the dome for an even better panoramic view, it costs about 5 euros. Inside, the church is beautiful, filled with art and a real sense of peace. Nearby, you can explore the lush hills or take a quick trip back into Bologna to visit Piazza Maggiore and other historic sights. Definitely worth the hike if you’re in Bologna! #trip #SanctuarySanLuca #BolognaViews #HistoricBologna #ItalianHeritage #HikingAdventure

#High-altitude viewing #Overseas travel In Bologna, Italy, there is the longest porch in the world, with a total of 658 circular arcades! The entire route is 3.8 kilometers long, running from the city center to the top of a 300-meter-high hill! The porch was built more than three hundred years ago because there is a religious tradition in Bologna. One day every year, a group of believers will carry the statue of the Virgin Mary, which was originally placed in the San Luca Church, from the mountain to the bottom of the mountain in a procession. Arrive at the church Cattedrale di San Pietro below the center of Bologna. The statue will then remain at the foot of the mountain for a week, during which time there will be some large celebrations. A week later it will be escorted up the mountain via the arcade. This covered arcade was built as a pilgrimage route to protect the holy images from wind and rain. The Chinese name of the church on the top of the mountain is "The Sanctuary of St. Luke". It is a Baroque-style church built in 1194 and took almost five or six hundred years to complete. The scenery in front of the church is really nice. From here you can overlook the nearby mountain city! On the other side, you can see the entire ancient city of Bologna at the foot of the mountain. 📍 Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca Santuario Madonna di San Luca Via San Luca, 36, 40135 Bologna BO, Italy #StarWriterGoGoGo #ItalianTravel

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip #postandearn When I stepped into Bologna, I quickly realized this city isn’t trying to impress—it just is. Known as La Dotta (The Learned), La Grassa (The Fat), and La Rossa (The Red), Bologna weaves together intellect, cuisine, and striking terracotta architecture into one unforgettable tapestry. The first thing that captivated me was the porticoes—endless, elegant arches that stretch for over 38 kilometers across the city. They’re not just beautiful; they’re practical, offering shade in the heat and cover in the rain. Walking under them felt like moving through a living museum. Piazza Maggiore, the city's heart, is a perfect place to begin. From there, you’re steps away from the Basilica di San Petronio, and just beyond that, the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, symbols of Bologna’s medieval might. I climbed the 498 steps of Torre degli Asinelli—and the panoramic reward at the top was more than worth it. But let’s talk food. Bologna is the capital of Italian cuisine. Period. From silky tagliatelle al ragù (don’t call it spaghetti Bolognese here!) to tortellini in brodo and mortadella sandwiches, everything I ate was bursting with authenticity and depth. I took a food tour with a local guide, and it completely changed the way I see pasta. Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October offer perfect weather and lively street scenes. Avoid August if you can—many locals leave for holiday. Travel Tips: Visit the Archiginnasio, the former university, to see the historic anatomy theatre. For a soulful walk, head to Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, reachable by a 3.5 km uphill portico—the world’s longest! Don’t miss the vibrant Quadrilatero Market for authentic tastes and sounds of Bologna. Location: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy #BolognaEats #LaGrassaLaDotta #HiddenItaly #BolognaPorticoes #PastaLoversParadise #HistoricBologna #TravelItaly #ItalianFoodCapital #BolognaVibes #UnderratedItaly Bologna doesn’t shout—it sings, simmers, and surprises. If you're ready to explore a city where food is a language and history is always in reach, Bologna will welcome you with open arms (and a plate of pasta). Let me know if you’d like a local food itinerary!

#europetrip The journey to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is as rewarding as the destination itself. Whether you hike under the iconic Portico di San Luca or take a bus up the hill, the views of Bologna and the surrounding countryside are breathtaking. The sanctuary itself is serene, with beautiful artwork and a sense of peace that invites quiet reflection. From the terrace, you can enjoy panoramic vistas that make the effort worth it. For those looking to combine a spiritual visit with a bit of exercise and stunning scenery, this is a perfect day trip from the city.