Santuario di Madonna di San Luca

Santuario di Madonna di San Luca

Santuario di Madonna di San Luca
4.5
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Saragozza
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See what travelers are saying
  • CabKings
    Tampa, Florida542 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    views from Bascilica are awesome. Pay $3 to see crypt, small and very cool temperature needed after climb.
    3 miles uphill and not an easy climb up the 700 feet above the city. Incredibly it is all h fee cover of a portico. Amazing experience and worth the effort. Please drive or ride up if you have health issues or age concerns. Then walk back down the under the portico. Beautiful views along the climb but especially at the top.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 17, 2023
  • Karen H
    Preston, United Kingdom171 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Adventure to get to uninspiring church with lovely views and a beautiful Madonna icon
    You can walk 4km under porticos up or down to/from the church on the hill. But it was 42degrees so we got the mini toy train from Piazza Maggiore. This has narrated journey so you know what you are looking at up and down. Church was a bit dull in reality. There is a gorgeous Madonna gilt icon behind the altar. But we paid 5euro to climb the spiral staircase to the viewing platform which was well worth it. Beautiful views down to Bologna and across mountains.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 31, 2023
  • Duffman
    Davistown, Australia20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t give up! It’s worth the walk
    100% must do experience. We walked in from town and whilst it’s not really for the faint hearted the journey through the porticos is something to behold. The journey up (which never ends) is as spectacular as the journey down. Only bettered by the spritz and Moretti in town at the end of the trek to talk about the experience!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 6, 2023
  • Tara
    Bath, United Kingdom8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience
    On a hot day we decided to catch the land train from the Piazza Maggiore up to the church and then walk back down the hill through the porticos - it was amazing. The church at the top was fairly quiet inside and absolutely stunning. We then walked back down to the city centre under the shelter of the porticos enjoying the views and the odd painting or statue on the way. This is a must if you are visiting Bologna.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 21, 2023
  • andycoldham
    Crawley, United Kingdom908 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must visit place in Bologna
    As we are knocking on a bit now we did take the land train to the Basilica, in both directions. It is nice ride through the town and when we saw how steep the hill was to the summit, we knew we made the right decision. The basilica itself has a fantastic position on the top of the hill overlooking Bologna, and the interior is superb, it has toilets if needed and it was well worth a visit as the interior of the building is just stunning.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 7, 2023
  • ErkiBear
    London, United Kingdom380 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    beautiful views of the countryside surrounding Bologna
    Caught the little road train from Piazza Maggiore to the Santuario as not sure we fancied the walk both ways as it was very hot. Great decision! The architecture of the sanctuario is beautiful and well worth the trip for the beautiful views of the countryside surrounding Bologna. Walked back to the city via the 4km long portico and thoroughly enjoyed it as there are interesting chapels to see on the way and it didn't feel too far - took us just over an hour before we stopped for a well deserved spritz and pizza!!
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 13, 2023
  • geniegal
    Melbourne, Australia572 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well Worth The Trip
    Well worth the trip up. We are in our 70’s so didn’t do the long portico walk. Instead we went to Piazza Maggiore and caught the San Luca Express which is the little tourist train. Tickets are sold in the Piazza. From memory it was €12 per person with an additional €5 per person if you want to climb the 100 steps inside to the top of the dome. We did purchase the extra ticket and managed the climb fine. It is a very tight stone winding staircase and you go up and down the same way, however, there are large alcoves at intervals to pass or simply have a rest if you need it. The view from the top made it all worth it. The interior of the sanctuary is beautiful and at certain times you can go up and view the icon of the Virgin Mary and Child. The views from the garden and terrace out front are magnificent. Take some time to sit out front and enjoy this space. Even though we took the train up and back, we still got a good look at the portico as the train runs along side it.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Tour608466
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
It took us 2 hrs to go the church from the city centre. However, it is worth going . When you walk up the porticoes, you can see the panoramic view of the city. And along the route up the porticoes, we appreciate the decorations on the walls.

the most touching experience was we were allowed to walk up to the altar and got so close to the statue of Maria. Few visitors were sobbing when they arrived the altar. So touching.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JBSD
Zagreb, Croatia40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
A visit to this church shouldn't be missed if you visit Bologna. Ideally, you should go by foot (or jog your way to the top, like so many locals do) - that way you'll also experience another great sight of Bologna, the Portico di San Luca.
Entrance to the top is charged, but my experience of the place wouldn't have been complete had I missed this climb. The view of the city and the Colli Bolognesi is irreplaceable.
Written May 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katharine186300
Winchester, UK290 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
I am gettin gold and felt the walk up to the Sanctury would be too much so we got a taxi.and though we would get one back.
Unfortunately the cafe and shop were closed We tried to call a taxi and failed. Our hotel also failed to get a taxi- there was a demonstration in Bologna- so no taxis around.It seemed like a long way down ( nearly 4 kilometres) when you are not prepared
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dimitris - Volos
Volos, Greece14 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
Located on a small hill with an altitude of 300 meters just outside the city(3.7km). Very large church with an impressive view towards the city of Bologna. The bus does not go to the temple so you have to walk uphill for a while.I suggest you go up by the bus, it still doesn't leave you in front of the temple but you have to walk some meters uphill.
But on the way back you walk down through a path of 666 arches until you reach Bologna FC Stadium, then take the bus to the city center.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

geniegal
Melbourne, Australia572 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Well worth the trip up. We are in our 70’s so didn’t do the long portico walk. Instead we went to Piazza Maggiore and caught the San Luca Express which is the little tourist train. Tickets are sold in the Piazza. From memory it was €12 per person with an additional €5 per person if you want to climb the 100 steps inside to the top of the dome. We did purchase the extra ticket and managed the climb fine. It is a very tight stone winding staircase and you go up and down the same way, however, there are large alcoves at intervals to pass or simply have a rest if you need it. The view from the top made it all worth it. The interior of the sanctuary is beautiful and at certain times you can go up and view the icon of the Virgin Mary and Child. The views from the garden and terrace out front are magnificent. Take some time to sit out front and enjoy this space. Even though we took the train up and back, we still got a good look at the portico as the train runs along side it.
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany6,898 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
The Santuario di Madonna di San Luca is a very much worthwhile half-day trip that can be comfortbaly reached by public transportation from the city center, or even by foot, as it is quite the hike, but definitely walkable.
We actually enjoyed the trip with the little city tram, as it gave us a good impression of other parts of beautiful Bologna that aren't necessarily located in the historic city center. As for the Santuario itself is it located on a nice hill just outside the city in the countryside hosting the important Madonna icon there.
Of course its touristic, but most things worth visiting are, so don't be taken aback by this fact, just keep it in mind.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kreej
13 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Took the stairs to the top of the church dome (which I can understand many people don't want to do if they've just done the 4km to the top of the hill). The company selling the ticket (€5) to the top of the dome made it very clear that the view of the city is only partial. There were probably 100+ stairs to the top and it was worth it - just.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Niels K
Ishoej, Denmark435 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Couples
We took the little train at a price 10 € per person. It was a fine ride up. The weather was fine and the sky blue. It is a very fine place to see. We walked down and meet man people Who was walking or running up.
It is very speciel and a mest see.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Trotamundos99
The Hague, The Netherlands65 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
Getting there by foot is a great experience. It is an almost 4 km walk from Porta Saragozza. Less than half is flat but the rest is steep, so bring good walking shoes. Some people go up hill for exercise, but other people go as a pilgrimage. For me it is a 45-60 min walk each way. So take your time.
There is a train that takes you from Piazza Maggiore to the Santuario, if you are not into walking.

The Sanctuary is nice. Besides the Madonna de San Luca there is a Virgen de Guadalupe.

I go there at least once every time I visit Bologna. For me it is worthwhile.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΣ Κ
Thessaloniki, Greece34 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Up on a hill, outside the city of Bologna it is this very nice church. If you want to go by foot you have to be prepare to walk a lot. The 666 arches leads you up on the hill and the view is amazing. There is also a nice park outside the church where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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