Construction of this church was started in 1741 and this was place for women who wanted to spend their life in prayer. Now, it is a the end point of the longest covered portico (the Portico di San Luca), which stretches about 2.4 miles from the city to the hilltop sanctuary. This portico features 666 arches, making it the longest in the world. Pro Tip: Take a taxi there, then walk home. Down the hill (and steps) is much more enjoyable that up!
Sanctuario di Madonna di San Luca
City: Bologna
Region: Emilia-Romagna
About the Region:
Emilia-Romagna is a region that offers Italy at its most authentic and delicious. Often overlooked for Tuscany or Venice, this northern Italian gem is where culinary traditions, rich history, and vibrant cities come together in a way that feels deeply local and wonderfully welcoming.
Food is the top reason to visit. Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of many Italian staples: fresh egg pasta like tagliatelle al ragù (known abroad as Bolognese), mortadella from Bologna, prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Touring a parmesan factory at dawn or watching prosciutto being cured in Parma is a pilgrimage for any food lover.
Beyond its cuisine, Emilia-Romagna is full of cultural treasures. Bologna’s medieval towers, endless porticoes, and lively university atmosphere create a city buzzing with students, markets, and aperitivo bars. Modena tempts with its balsamic vinegar, Ferrari Museum, and the world-renowned Osteria Francescana. Ravenna’s dazzling Byzantine mosaics are unlike anything else in Italy, telling ancient stories in jewel-toned tiles.
The region also offers relaxing Adriatic beaches in Rimini, elegant thermal spas in towns like Salsomaggiore, and rolling hills dotted with castles in Romagna’s countryside.
What makes Emilia-Romagna unforgettable is its combination of authenticity and warmth. Locals take pride in their traditions but welcome you with genuine hospitality. Whether you’re tasting tortellini in broth, admiring centuries-old mosaics, or simply sipping a cappuccino under Bologna’s porticoes, Emilia-Romagna will make you feel like you’ve discovered Italy’s true heart.