My husband, (a very fit 65 year old) walked the 666 portico's to the Santuario. Myself, I chose to use the tourist route, a little "train" with headphone information! The climb to the Madonna di San Luca was informative and, in places a little hairy ( the driver being a bit daredevil on the road hairpins) The church interior is... More

The climb is long but it is a remarkable climb along the graceful porticos and the views on the way and especially at the top are wonderful. On the way up we heard a cuckoo and there was a small deer in the woods at the side of the walk on our way down. When we reached the church it... More

Long walk and climb but well worth the views. Wear comfy shoes. Depending on where you stay it can take over an hour but there is 3.8km of porticos.

Long climb but great views from the top and on the way up. No refreshments at top though. Get the no 20 bus to Melloncello cuts out the first few of the 666 arches and steps!

St San Luca express is a toy town train that takes you up the pilgrims way. . fabulous views and lovely breeze on a hot day

This is a remarkable site which covers a hillside on the edge of Bologna, a series of covered walkways lead up to the top of the hill and the sanctuary. It is based on the stations of the Cross and does require some stamina and effort to reach the top, but is well worth the climb. The site is visible... More

A long, strenuous walk in a covered portico that starts at Porta Saragozza. Took us 2.5 hours round trip with time for a visit inside San Luca and to enjoy the view of Bologna and the Appennini Mountains. You can also take the #20 bus up. I have walked down the back, on roads through the country side, but the... More

I decided to go there in an early morning, by myself. Although it is a very long walk, I felt completely relaxed! It was winter and there was snow all along the way. When you get to the top and see that view, with the city centre in one place and fields and moutains full of snow all around, you... More

Nearly 4km long walk, all the way up the hill to San Luca. All the way under porticoes... very beautiful but quiet physical... difference in height = 500m over the last 2km. Well worth the effort. Beautiful view over the countryside (if you want to see the city though, you would better climb Tower Asinelli)