PORTA SARAGOZZA

From Bologna you can easily walk to the Church of Madonna di San Luca on Colle della Guardia (291 mt). Starting from Porta Saragozza you can get to the church following a portico about 3.6 km long, with 666 arches alternating with 15 chapels. This long open gallery, mostly uphill, is the longest in the world. It was built from 1674 to 1739 thanks to private donations in order to shorten up the way form the city to the church.

Every May over the past thousand years the statue of the Virging Mary has been carried down to bless the city and taken back in procession after a week on Ascension Day following the porticoe. The Greek-cross plan Church of Madonna di San Luca was built in 1723-57 by C.F. Dotti. Inside you can see a very old Byzantine icon, traditionally attributed to evangelist Luke. The original church was restored and extended many times over the years.