Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is one of the symbolic places of Bologna, located at the top of the Colle della Guardia, about 300 meters above sea level. This sanctuary is not only an important place of religious worship, but also a fundamental element of the city’s cultural and social landscape. The history of the sanctuary is rich and fascinating, intertwining elements of religious devotion, art, politics, and local traditions. The origins of the sanctuary date back to the 12th century, when there was talk of a hermitage founded by a certain Eutimio, a hermit from Constantinople, who brought with him a cedar panel depicting the Virgin in Byzantine style. This first spiritual settlement soon became a place of pilgrimage and veneration for the faithful of Bologna and beyond. In 1149, the hermitage came under the care of two sisters, Azzolina and Bice, who transformed it into a center of communal prayer, attracting other women eager to lead a consecrated life. The iconography of the Madonna of San Luca, said to have been brought to the city by a devout pilgrim at the end of the 13th century, greatly contributed to the sanctuary’s fame. This sacred image, depicting the Madonna Odigitria, became a symbol of protection for Bologna, particularly during periods of natural disasters or epidemics. Over the centuries, the sanctuary underwent various transformations and expansions. One of the key moments in its architectural history was the reconstruction begun in 1741 according to the design of Carlo Francesco Dotti, which led to the construction of the current structure. The building, completed in 1757, features a Greek cross plan with a majestic central dome, and houses valuable works of art. Among these are the paintings of Guido Reni, such as the “Madonna of the Rosary,” and the sculptures of Angelo Pió and Cometti, whose statues of Saint Luke and Saint Mark decorate the main entrance. One of the most evocative aspects of the sanctuary is the portico that connects it to the city center, known as the Portico of San Luca. With its 666 arches and a length of almost 4 kilometers, it is the longest portico in the world and represents an extraordinary engineering feat, built starting from 1674. Every year, during the week of the Ascension, a procession takes place starting from Porta Saragozza and carrying the venerated icon of the Madonna with Child to the cathedral of Bologna, an event that attracts numerous faithful and tourists. The sanctuary has played an important role not only in the religious life but also in the political and social history of Bologna. Over the centuries, it has been a point of reference for the community, serving as a place of refuge and hope during times of crisis. The visit of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1805, which required a significant restoration of the complex, underscores the historical importance of the sanctuary at a national level.