666 Arches to the Madonna of San Luca Sanctuary

Those who don't feel like going up the Asinelli Towers but would still like to enjoy a view of Bologna from above, often choose a more rapid route, a 3.5 km walk to the sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. This route is protected elegantly by porticos with a total of 666 arches, which unites Saragozza Gate to San Luca's Church situated at a height of 291 m on Colle della Guardia.

The construction of the Portico of San Luca began in 1657 upon the initiative of faithful church-goers financed by donations. Every arch was realized thanks to the donations of noble families, religious congregations, simple citizens, artisans and even from the servants of wealthy families.

 

The first level part of the portico, that runs along Via Saragozza, unites with the second part which climbs the hill through the Arch of Meloncello, completed in 1732 by the architect Carlo Francesco Dotti, which is a masterpiece of asymmetry that harmoniously connects the diverse levels. Even the sanctuary, already in existence, was completely restructured at the beginning of 1723 under a project by the same architect which acquired his characteristic elliptic form.

Every year a procession is conducted, starting from Saint Peter's Church in the center of the city, carrying the image of the Madonna of San Luca to the sanctuary on the hill, for a complete route of 7 km.

Last update 04/05/2003

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