As we are knocking on a bit now we did take the land train to the Basilica, in both directions. It is nice ride through the town and when we saw how steep the hill was to the summit, we knew we made the right decision. The basilica itself has a fantastic position on the top of the hill overlooking Bologna, and the interior is superb, it has toilets if needed and it was well worth a visit as the interior of the building is just stunning.

Caught the little road train from Piazza Maggiore to the Santuario as not sure we fancied the walk both ways as it was very hot. Great decision! The architecture of the sanctuario is beautiful and well worth the trip for the beautiful views of the countryside surrounding Bologna. Walked back to the city via the 4km long portico and thoroughly enjoyed it as there are interesting chapels to see on the way and it didn't feel too far - took us just over an hour before we stopped for a well deserved spritz and pizza!!

Well worth the trip up. We are in our 70’s so didn’t do the long portico walk. Instead we went to Piazza Maggiore and caught the San Luca Express which is the little tourist train. Tickets are sold in the Piazza. From memory it was €12 per person with an additional €5 per person if you want to climb the 100 steps inside to the top of the dome. We did purchase the extra ticket and managed the climb fine. It is a very tight stone winding staircase and you go up and down the same way, however, there are large alcoves at intervals to pass or simply have a rest if you need it. The view from the top made it all worth it. The interior of the sanctuary is beautiful and at certain times you can go up and view the icon of the Virgin Mary and Child. The views from the garden and terrace out front are magnificent. Take some time to sit out front and enjoy this space. Even though we took the train up and back, we still got a good look at the portico as the train runs along side it.

The San Luca Sanctuary is located a couple of km to the southwest of the city centre of Bologna and is connected by way of a 3.8 km long portico lined walkway. This is a basilica that a long history but the building you see today dates back to around 1723 and is Baroque in nature. It is open from 7am to 7pm daily (closes 30 minutes earlier between the months of October to March) and free to entry. San Luca is an impressive place to visit with a beautiful interior, particularly the elaborately decorated apse. However, it is the exterior, panoramic views from San Luca and the remarkable portico of San Luca path that you can walk up to and down from the sanctuary that is most memorable when it comes to the San Luca experience. This is a remarkable architectural structure and along with the many porticos in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2021). Note, there is a fun San Luca Express (Tourist Train) from Piazza Maggiore that you can use to visit San Luca if you don't want to walk up to the sanctuary.

This sanctuary is a landmark of Bologna, in the sense that anyone coming, by car or train, from the north, the west or the south, can consider themselves to have arrived in the city when they see the sanctuary standing out against the profile of the hill hosting it. The sanctuary isn't venerable for its antiquity (the current building dates back to the 18th century or later), but for its artistic value and symbolic strength at the same time. In fact, it was immediately destined to house an image of the Madonna which (as the name of the sanctuary indicates) is believed to have been painted by Saint Luke (1st century AD). It seems that the legend according to which the evangelist Luke produced portraits of the Madonna was born in the Byzantine context, to face the iconoclastic sect (8th century). The implication is that, if one of the evangelists has already depicted the Madonna with his consent, the production of sacred images has full legitimacy. The legend strengthened in the following centuries: in the city of Rome alone, seven canvases depicting the Madonna are counted today, traditionally attributed to the hand of Saint Luke. The canvas that gave rise to the current sanctuary in Bologna, according to a late chronicle (15th century), was brought from Constantinople by a pilgrim in the 12th century. Sources after the 15th century enriched the story with details, most of which cannot be verified. The certain fact is that the construction of the first basilica began in 1194. The reconstruction (practically a second construction) dates back to 1481, other interventions followed one another during the 17th century, while from 1723 to 1765 the interventions took place that gave the basilica its its current form. The basilica has an ovoid shape on the outside, which the presence of the Renaissance-style façade doesn't serve to hide, since the basilica surpasses this façade above and on the sides: therefore the curvilinear, late Baroque layout of the building remains prevalent, accentuated also by the two arms, also curved, which extend forward from the facade. The very sumptuous interior is notable for the presence of canvases by painters, among which Guido Reni and Guercino stand out. Other paintings, notable for their artistic and historical value, are visible in the sacristy. The scenography of the interior is however organized to draw attention towards the main altar, displaying the venerated effigy of the Madonna who gave rise to the church. The effigy is partly covered by a chiselled silver plate, from the Belgian school of the 17th century. Overall, a visit to this sanctuary (together with that of the incredible, very long portico connecting the sanctuary to the center of the city) is a "must" for anyone coming to Bologna.

We caught the number 20 bus which took us halfway and then walked up through the porticoes. Took about 30-40 mins and all uphill but so worth it. Amazing views over Bologna. A definite must do when visiting this lovely city.

Located on a hill overlooking Bologna The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is a Catholic Basilica accessed by foot, car or an express train. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary the Church is free to enter with stunning artwork and panoramic views of the forests surrounding. Well worth the effort.

Great couple hours to see Bologna from above. Took the little red train fir a nice tour of the flat city before heading up hill to the church. Great audio guide. The church was beautiful and Mass was in progress during our visit. Worth a 2 hour respite from food and shopping!

We took the little bud train to the Basilica from Piazza Maggiore affording not only splendid views of the city sights and the countryside beyond but also a running commentary in Italian translated into English. The Basilica is approached beside a two kilometre long covered portico built in the 18th century and then the longest of its type. We spent about an hour at the Basilica itself where a Sunday morning mass was in progress. Some stunning views of the Bolognese countryside and over the rooftops of Bologna itself again on our descent.

We took the San Luca express train up the hill to this amazing sanctuary. It was a great way to look at the amazing scenery on our way up, especially in the baking heat! The sanctuary is well worth a visit, beautiful. And we then went to the local restaurant, Vito, before getting the train back to the city centre. Great afternoon!