Just outside of Bologna’s city center, you will find the longest stretch of porticoes in the world - a 3.8-kilometer covered walkway curving up the Colle della Guardia to the Basilica of San Luca.
Known as the “walk to San Luca” by locals of Bologna, the walk is actually something more … it is a pilgrimage.
The Basilica is home to the icon of the Madonna con Bambino attributed to Saint Luke the Evangelist. According to legend, a pilgrim from Turkey originally brought this icon to Italy. Since 1433, the icon has had a special importance for the city of Bologna.
In 1433, exceptionally heavy rains threatened to ruin crops in the area and cause a famine. Desperately entreating the Blessed Mother for assistance, the people organized a procession to bring the icon from the hill to the city center. As soon as the Madonna con Bambino reached the city, the rain stopped! It was the Miracolo della Pioggia – the Miracle of the Rain.
Every May since 1433, the Bolognesi have honored the Madonna of San Luca by bringing her icon back from the hill to the city center.
This yearly procession inspired the construction of the covered walkway for pilgrims making the trip up or down the Colle delle Guardia.
The pilgrimage to the Basilica is a journey. Two kilometers are uphill … and it’s a steep uphill. The pathway twists and turns to the top of the Colle della Guardia like a slithering serpent. With 666 arches, the symbolism of the Madonna crushing the devil is powerful.
Andiamo a San Luca?
In addition to being a destination for pilgrims, the walk to San Luca is a part of everyday life for many Bolognesi.
When I lived in Bologna, I did the walk many times with friends to have a picnic on the Colle della Guardia where there is a fantastic view of Bologna and the colli Bolognesi. I also did many solo walks and runs, as do other exercisers looking for a challenge.
At the top of the walkway, a solitary cross greets pilgrims before they reach the Basilica. After having completed the journey and made it through the steepest part right at the end, religious or not, it certainly does feel like a holy reward.
Italian Vocabulary related to San Luca
All Around Italia helps you learn about Italy and also learn Italian! Here are some words related to San Luca. Have you heard these before?
il pellegrinaggio – pilgrimage
Abbiamo fatto il pellegrinaggio fino a San Luca. / We did the pilgrimage to San Luca.
in salita – uphill
La passeggiata fino a San Luca è molto in salita. / The walk to San Luca is very uphill.
il trenino – miniature, touristic train
Da dove parte il trenino per San Luca? Parte da Piazza Maggiore. / From where does the touristic train leave for San Luca? It leaves from Piazza Maggiore.
Virtually experience the walk to San Luca. Bring Italian into your everyday life.
Want to learn more about the walk to San Luca and the Basilica? I recommend watching this documentary on youtube. It is directed by Pupi Avati – a famous film director hailing from Bologna.
In 55 minutes, the documentary explains the history of the pilgrimage and showcases its special place in the hearts of so many.
The video is in Italian. For subtitles in Italian, just click the the closed caption “cc” button on Youtube.
A great way to immerse yourself in language and culture!
