Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

The Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca is a sanctuary and basilica atop a hill in Bologna. It has a simple but unique curved structure. The observation deck at the top offers a splendid panoramic city view. The inside is decorated with frescoes by Vittorio Bigari.

This imposing building becomes visible as soon as you enter the city. Paintings by Bologna’s famous Guido Reni and other artists like Donato Creti and Giuseppe Mazza can be seen inside.A church has existed here for thousands of years. Carlo Francesco Dotti designed the present-day monument in 1723. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2021. A black representation of the Virgin Mary is present in the basilica, purportedly painted by Saint Luke and brought to Bologna from the Byzantine Empire in the 12th century. The walk up to this basilica, under the Portica di San Luca, is 3.3 km long and worth the distance for the pleasant views. You can also take a bus if you don’t feel like walking so much. Once you reach the sanctuary, you can climb to the top for an additional fee, get some binoculars and be astounded by the delightful views, also known as the Sky Experience.