We’ll walk up the Portico di San Luca, a landmark monument of Bologna, the longest covered walkway in the world, built in the 17th century with funds from Bologna’s citizenry who wanted a portico that would shelter the Madonna di San Luca icon during its annual descent into the city. The Portico di San Luca is a beloved walk for the Bolognesi, and porticoes are a remarkable architectural feature of Bologna, which boasts 53 km of them, currently inserted in the Tentative List of Unesco’s World Heritage sites. During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of San Luca and why Bologna is the city of porticoes. When we get to the top, I’ll take you to a fantastic panoramic view of the Basilica di San Luca, then we’ll descend back into the city via a historic pilgrim’s path, to reach Casalecchio, where we’ll catch the bus back to Bologna, stopping along the way to eat gelato at one of the top gelateria in town.
[Read about the Portico di San Luca in this article from the blog.]
Details:
Length: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 215 m (700 ft.)
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Please note: Descent along pilgrim’s path is steep. You’ll need walking shoes with good grip – no sandals or flip flops allowed.
Those who prefer to take a shorter walk may stop at the Sanctuary, and return via the portico on foot or use the bus or tourist train services if timing coincides.
Rates:
€90 1-2 people
€120 3-4 people
€150 5-6 people
€210 7-8 people
Cost of gelato and bus ticket needed to return to the city center (which I’ll get for you) are included.
*Tour may be modified in case of bad weather. On Mondays the gelato shop is closed.
Book:
Please send an email to bolognauncovered@gmail.com.
Bologna Uncovered 