Phone +39 051 6142339
Reference maps: M-9
Date of last update: 29/04/2019, 14:40
As a traditional religious object of cult linked to the devotion of the image of the Blessed Virgin of St. Luca as well as comforting visual landmark for the Bolognese returning home, the sanctuary located on the Colle della Guardia is one of the symbols of the city itself.
The over 600 arches of the portico, unique in the world for its length of almost four kilometers (3,796 m), connect the sanctuary to the city and provide shelter for the yearly procession that since 1433 leads the Byzantine Madonna and Child to the cathedral in the city centre during the Ascension week. Its construction began in 1674 with the building of the Bonaccorsi archway by G. G. Monti over Porta Saragozza.
The same architect also designed the layout of the portico at the foot of the hill, with its extremely moderate and simple style, which was followed by his successor, C.F. Dotti, starting from the 1720s. Dotti’s contribution, which is expressed in the final section of the portico, is characterised by a dynamic variation of perspectives and vanishing points that lead up to the final, dramatic view of the sanctuary.
The start of the path uphill is highlighted by the Meloncello Archway that crosses via Saragozza, designed by Dotti probably with the contribution of the stage designer Francesco Bibiena. This niche, with its curved plan and that uses the free column, represents, together with the open area in front of the basilica, the only outdoor example of the Baroque style in the city.
As of April 7th, 2017, thanks to the association "Succede solo a Bologna", it is now possible to reach the small panoramic terrace of the San Luca Sanctuary by the 100+ steps of the ancient spiral staircases leading up to the attic. From there - at a height of about 42 meters above the Colle della Guardia (300m above sea level) - it is possible to enjoy a unique 180-degree view of Bologna, from the hillsides to the city centre, up to Casalecchio di Reno.
details in entrance notes
by San Luca Express train, timetable and price available here
by car: ring road exits No 1-2, direction city center
by car sharing: you can reach your destination by yourself with Auting, a peer to peer car sharing service. Let’s search for the car that best suits your needs on auting.it get in touch with the owner and let’s start your trip!
by car sharing: you can reach your destination by yourself with Auting, a peer to peer car sharing service. Let’s search for the car that best suits your needs on auting.it get in touch with the owner and let’s start your trip!
Sanctuary: free
Panoramic terrace: "San Luca Sky Experience Card", a donation of € 5 is required.
Reducted donation € 3:
- young people 10 to 18 years
- members of Succede solo a Bologna association
- schools
– over 65
Free
- children under 10 years visiting with their family
- disabled (with exception of those who have severe deambulation problems, since the access is through a spiral staircase)
- tourist guides and journalists with cards
- Bologna Welcome Card PLUS holders
From Mon. to Sat.: 7am – 6pm from November to February / 7am - 7pm from March to October
On working days the Sanctuary is closed from 12:30pm to 2:30pm Sundays and Public Holidays: 7am – 6pm from November to February / 7am – 7pm from March to October
During the religious services, the tourist visit could be limited or suspended. Opening times can be subjected to little changes. For further information please call: Curia Arcivescovile tel. 051 6480611
Panoramic terrace opening time:
Summer timetable (from March 1 to October 31)
Monday-Saturday: 9:30am-12:30pm e 2pm-7pm
Sunday: 9:30am-7pm
Winter timetable (from November 1 to February 28)
Monday-Saturday: 9:30am-12:30pm e 2pm-6pm
Sunday: 9:30-18:00
You can access without reservation to the viewpoint.
For group with turistic guide please contact: sanluca@succedesoloabologna.it
Santuario di San Luca
