The walk from the base of the hill at Meloncello bus stop was very long, thank goodness i've been going to the gym alot. Today was the first real day of spring in Bologna so it was very refreshing to get some outdoor activity. The sanctuary was lovely: baroque is baroque. The views up-top were what made me thrilled to have burned 3k calories. I actually saw the snow covered peaks of the Apennines. Walking down outside of the porticos seemed to make the decent mush faster. okay'ish views of Bologna. 2.25 hrs roundtrip (30year old athletic guy). There is a bus that comes every now and then if you cant make it up or down.

Walking under all 666 Porticos in a little less than an hour lets you see all of Bologna in its beauty. By the time you reach the San Luca front doors, your heart has been pounding and your eyes have taken in much of Bologna. Both the center of the City along with its long standing towers and the rolling hills that grace the ourskirts will be yours along this wonderful walk.

The longest set of porticos in the world lead up the hill to this church where a miraculous painting of the Vergin (originally attributed to St. Luke, hence the name) hangs over the altar. The icon has several miracles attributed to it, the most famous being when flood waters receeded when it was brought down to Bologna. Now every year the icon comes down to the city for a week. Walking up the hill, praying the rosary and taking Mass at the santuary is a wonderful experience. Also, the views of Bologna are not to be missed.