The church, associated with the cult of the image of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca, stands less than 5 km from Piazza Maggiore on Guardia Hill.

The monumental basilica stands completely outside the city and is a popular destination for pilgrims as well as tourists.

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The sanctuary was built in the first half of the 18th century on the site of the original church in an ornate style combining Baroque and Rococo.

The longest arcade in the world

From the town to the church, the pedestrian path "Portico di San Luca" leads to the church, which consists of a 3.5 km long arcade with 666 arches.

The number symbolizes the devil and the arcades are in the shape of a snake (the devil) crushed by the feet of the Madonna, symbolizing the Church. The ascent to the church thus represents the path of liberation and purification from sin.

Expect to walk steadily uphill. Most of the arcade is filled with stairs, so the walking route to the basilica is not suitable for less mobile travellers.

The arcade begins at the southwestern edge of the historic center at Porta Saragozza. The first part passes through the town on level ground, but at the gate of the Arco del Meloncello the Portico di San Luca separates from the town and makes its way through the hilly countryside to the basilica.

Admission and opening hours

The Sanctuary of San Luca is open every day from 7:00-19:00.

For a schedule of Masses, visit the official website: santuariodisanluca.it.

Admission is free.

How to get there

If you don't feel like walking, you can get directly to the basilica by bus line 58.

The bus runs once every 30 minutes and once every 20 minutes on Sundays from the Villa Spada bus stop on the southwestern outskirts of Bologna. Here you can change to bus lines D and 20 in the direction of the centre. The Basilica is in the urban zone and there is no need to pay a special intercity surcharge for the ticket.

For more information on getting around the city, see the Transport chapter.