SAN LUCA THE BOLOGNESE WALK AMIDST PORTICOES, Art Hotel Commercianti

San Luca: the Bolognese walk amidst porticoes, panoramic views, and tradition

The best way to fully see the art and beauty of Bologna is to discover the city on foot. Among his squares, towers, historic streets, and long porticoes, every walk becomes an opportunity to connect with his history and his authentic character. Yet, there is one route that, more than any other, embodies the deep bond between Bologna and his inhabitants: the ascent to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca .

For visitors to Bologna, reaching San Luca is an experience not to be missed. For the locals, however, it is something more: a walk that is part of the city’s life - a familiar and beloved route to be taken slowly, whether in company or simply to carve out a private moment away from the noise of the city center.

By staying at our Art Hotel Commercianti, located in Bologna’s historc center, you can set off directly from the heart of the city - either on foot or using the bicycle we provide to our guests free to charge - one of the locals’ favourite spots, passing through one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks: the San Luca Portico.

The longest portico in the world

The journey to San Luca begins in the heart of the city - where our boutique hotel also is located - and continues toward the Colle della Guardia. Connecting Bologna’s city center to the Sanctuary is a long portico that, with nearly 4 kilometers and 666 arches, stands as one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and is officially the longest portico in the world.

According to popular belief, the sinuous, curving shape of the San Luca portico is no coincidence. The path is said to represent a snake (the Devil) being crushed and trampled upon during the ascent. At the end of the route, the snake-demon surrenders, suffering definitive defeat and subjugation at the foot of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca - the Madonna’s home. The number 666 thus carries an allegorical significance: the triumph of the sacred over evil.

However, the portico is more than just an architectural masterpiece; it is a pathway that gently leads you out of the city center, transforming the landscape with every step. City streets give way to the ascent, traffic noise fades, and as you walk beneath the arches, Bologna seems to adopt a different rhythm _ calmer and more relaxed than in the heart of the city. It is precisely this simplicity that makes the walk to San Luca so special. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker; the San Luca portico is suitable for everyone, young and old - all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes, a little time, and the desire to walk.

San Luca, a symbol for Bologna

On the top of the Colle della Guardia - and at the end of the long ascent beneath the porticoes - stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, one of the city’s most important landmarks and a destination for pilgrims for centuries. The Sanctuary’s history is deeply intertwined with devotion of the people of Bologna and with the image of the Madonna di San Luca, housed within the Basilica. Over the centuries, the Sanctuary has become a religious, cultural, and emotional touchstone for the city.

But San Luca belongs to more than just history; it is also part of everyday life in Bologna. For many Bolognese, San Luca is far more than a sanctuary: it is a landmark, a symbol of home. Indeed, when setting off on a journey and returning, the moment its silhouette appears on the horizon - whether viewed from car, train, or plane - something shifts; a mere glimpse of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca signals that Bologna is very close. It is a feeling that is hard to put into words, yet deeply familiar: seeing San Luca means knowing you are back home.

A special view over Bologna

Upon reaching the Sanctuary, the ascent gives way to one of Bologna’s most striking views. From this vantage point, the gaze can sweep across the city—taking in its rooftops, towers, and bell towers, as well as the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium—all the way to the hills surrounding the Emilian capital.

The view changes with the seasons and the light: on clear days, the panorama opens up to reveal the entire city, while at sunset, Bologna’s rooftops are bathed in warm colors and the landscape takes on an even more evocative atmosphere. It is the perfect moment to pause, breathe, and look out over Bologna from above after having explored it on foot.

A walk to be enjoyed at your own rhythm

Part of the beauty of the ascent to San Luca lies in the chance to experience it at a leisurely pace. Some choose to walk the San Luca portico in the morning—perhaps after a hearty buffet breakfast at our hotel —while others prefer the afternoon, when the light makes the view over the city even more enchanting, allowing for a pleasant open-air snack or a small picnic in the hills. For those wishing to enjoy this experience without any hassle, our staff will gladly prepare a packed lunch for you to take along. At any time of day, the walk up to San Luca offers a wonderful way to step away from the bustle of the historic center and spend some quiet moments immersed in nature.

The advice is to take your time: start from the historic center, walk through the portico, take a few breaks along the way, and—once you reach the top—allow yourself a few minutes to look out over the city.

Bologna seen through the eyes of the Bolognese

San Luca tells the story of the city of Bologna through the emotions of its citizens and the tourists who decide to take a moment to admire this other marvel of Bologna.

The Sanctuary is a place for Sunday walks, meetings with friends, jogging, photography, and moments of tranquility. It is a destination that generations of Bolognese people have reached—on foot, by bike, or by car—following the same portico and gazing out at the same city from above, appreciating the green hills by day and marveling at the beauty of the city lights by night. And perhaps this is precisely what makes San Luca so special for visitors: it allows them to see Bologna not merely as a tourist destination, but as a city that is truly lived in, deeply loved, and profoundly connected to its traditions.

From the center of Bologna to San Luca

The walk to San Luca is easily accessible when staying in the historic center. Starting from our hotel in Piazza Maggiore of Bologna, you can enjoy this experience without sacrificing the convenience of having the city just steps away from your room.

After exploring the streets of the city center, a visit to San Luca offers the perfect way to shift your perspective and experience Bologna from a different vantage point. And once you return to your hotel after the climb, you can unwind in the rooms at Art Hotel Commercianti or opt for the privacy and comfort of our luxury apartments in the heart of Bologna.

San Luca is one of those places you simply must see at least once in your lifetime. But above all, it is a place worth experiencing at a leisurely pace, step by step. For Bologna is not defined solely by the monuments you visit; it is defined by the porticoes you walk through, the views you admire, and the places where—even if only for a few hours—you can feel a little bit Bolognese.

Book your stay at the Art Hotel Commercianti and experience Bologna like a true local, starting from the heart of the city and setting out to discover San Luca.