Portico di San Luca Bologna
Walk beneath the world's longest portico, a UNESCO site with 666 arches, leading to a sanctuary with breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for the climb
Portico di San Luca Bologna
Best Time
Pleasant weather for the climb
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk beneath the world's longest portico, a UNESCO site with 666 arches, leading to a sanctuary with breathtaking views.
"Worth the hike! Stunning view at the top and a good workout after all the delicious typical Bolognese food."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 4km climb involves stairs and inclines. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable journey.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 666 Arches
Porta Saragozza to Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
Walk beneath the world's longest portico, a UNESCO site with 666 arches leading to a stunning sanctuary.
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
Colle della Guardia
Reach the summit and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Bologna and its surroundings.
Artistic Chapels
Along the Portico
Discover 15 chapels featuring artwork depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary, offering moments of reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb: Essential Prep
Timing Your Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 4km climb involves stairs and inclines. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable journey.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
🚶♀️ Walk Down for Views
The descent offers different perspectives and is often more relaxed for enjoying the architecture.
🚌 Bus Option Available
Take bus 58 up to the Sanctuary if time is limited or you prefer to skip the uphill walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 4km climb involves stairs and inclines. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable journey.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
🚶♀️ Walk Down for Views
The descent offers different perspectives and is often more relaxed for enjoying the architecture.
🚌 Bus Option Available
Take bus 58 up to the Sanctuary if time is limited or you prefer to skip the uphill walk.
📸 Capture the Arches
The portico's unique architecture provides endless photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Portico di San Luca as an iconic and rewarding experience, offering a unique blend of physical challenge and historical beauty. The stunning views from the Sanctuary and the architectural grandeur of the 666 arches are major highlights. Some find the uphill climb strenuous, but most agree the effort is well worth it.
"Very nice albeit moderately challenging hike - starting point is the Porta Saragozza, and you walk through 666 arches to reach the Santuario de San Luca. Look for the number 1 plate and you’ll be on your way. This is a very iconic route and is the longest covered portico in the world. First 250+ or so arches are flat, but the uphill hike begins near arch 300 or so. You can enjoy nice aerial scenery and some artwork of the 15 mysteries as you climb up.
Note that you can simply walk down without doing the uphill climb if you want to. Take bus 58 up to the Sanctuary directly, visit it, and then follow the route down."
Nahshon
"Worth the hike! Stunning view at the top and a good workout after all the delicious typical Bolognese food."
Zara Ball
"A must to walk. The strenuous effort required to walk this route is rewarded by the experience, the very beautifull San Luca church and amazing views once you'll arrive. Furthermore, there are many restaurants at the end of the walk. Make sure to wear a t-shirt and bring some water."
Rob Voster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Portico di San Luca begins at Porta Saragozza, an ancient city gate. You can reach Porta Saragozza by walking from Bologna's city center or by taking local buses. Many visitors start their journey here to experience the full 4km ascent.
Yes, you can drive to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. However, the road is one-way, and you'll need to take a different route to return. Parking can also be limited.
Indeed, bus number 58 provides direct access to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, offering a convenient alternative to walking the entire portico.
The iconic Portico di San Luca starts at Porta Saragozza, a historic gate in Bologna. From here, you embark on the nearly 4-kilometer journey uphill.
The walk up the Portico di San Luca typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop. The descent is usually quicker.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking the Portico di San Luca is free and accessible to everyone. There are no tickets required to enter or traverse the portico itself.
Entry to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is generally free, though donations are appreciated. Some specific areas or tours within the sanctuary might have a fee.
The Portico di San Luca is always open, as it is an outdoor public walkway. The Sanctuary of San Luca has its own opening hours, which can vary.
Yes, events like the 'San Locca Day' are held, transforming the portico with artisan stalls and street food, making it a lively experience.
The portico has many stairs and inclines, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. While some sections are ramp-like, the full ascent is strenuous.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The most rewarding way is to walk the entire length from Porta Saragozza, enjoying the changing scenery and the architectural marvel.
The Portico di San Luca is famously comprised of 666 arches, a number that has sparked much discussion and legend.
The Portico di San Luca stretches for approximately 3.8 kilometers (about 2.4 miles) from Porta Saragozza to the Sanctuary.
Restrooms are not readily available along the entire portico. It's advisable to use facilities at Porta Saragozza or at the Sanctuary.
Along the portico, you'll find 15 chapels with artwork depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary, as well as beautiful views of Bologna.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The beginning of the portico near Porta Saragozza offers great shots of the arches stretching into the distance. Higher up, the panoramic views of Bologna are spectacular.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlights along the arches. Golden hour offers particularly stunning views.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and near historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the portico. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for interior shots of the Sanctuary.
Focus on the repeating patterns of the 666 arches, the decorative lunettes, and the artistic details within the chapels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The reward at the top – the Sanctuary and the expansive views – is often a highlight for younger visitors. It's a chance to combine a bit of exercise with a memorable cultural experience. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for everyone, as the path can be uneven and involve stairs.
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
Aim to beat your previous time or simply enjoy the cardiovascular benefits while taking in the historic surroundings. The varying inclines and steps provide a comprehensive leg workout. Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body, especially during warmer months.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different times of day to capture the play of light and shadow. Golden hour offers particularly dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and bathing the portico in a warm glow. Don't forget to capture the panoramic views from the Sanctuary at the top, which provide a stunning backdrop of Bologna.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of the Portico
+2As you ascend, you'll pass 15 chapels, each adorned with frescoes depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary, offering moments of spiritual reflection. The portico also features decorative lunettes bearing the coats of arms of the families who contributed to its construction. The journey is a gradual climb, with the initial arches being relatively flat before transitioning into a more strenuous uphill path with numerous steps.
Many visitors find the walk down to be a more relaxed experience, allowing them to fully appreciate the intricate details of the portico's architecture and the evolving views of Bologna. The sheer scale and historical significance of the Portico di San Luca make it an unforgettable part of any visit to Bologna.
Reaching the Sanctuary of San Luca
Visitors often describe the feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the Sanctuary after the long climb. The interior of the church is serene and ornate, providing a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation. Beyond the spiritual aspect, the views from the Sanctuary are a major draw, offering a unique perspective of Bologna's red rooftops and sprawling landscape.
While the walk is the most traditional way to arrive, the Sanctuary is also accessible by car or bus. Regardless of how you reach it, the Sanctuary of San Luca is a must-visit destination that perfectly complements the journey through its iconic portico.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit