The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca: Bologna’s Iconic Pilgrimage Site and Its Fascinating History
Since 1100 A.D., records have mentioned a hermitage on this hill, famed for a particular hermit named Euthymius, who arrived from Constantinople with a cedar board bearing an ancient Byzantine image of the Virgin painted on it. In 1149, the hermitage was given to two sisters, Azzolina and Bice, daughters of Rampertino di Gherardi di Guezo.
The two sisters were joined by other young women who wanted to live their lives in prayer. Construction of the Sanctuary as we know it began in 1741, with the approval of the Municipality and numerous loyal benefactors. Carlo Francesco Dotti designed the structure, which was virtually completed by 1757, with the façade foundations and side galleries erected shortly after.
The church, circular in shape with short Greek cross arms, has a single nave and a magnificent look due to the huge drum supporting the towering dome. The paintings inside are from the 17th-century Bolognese school and include works by renowned artists such as Guido Reni (who painted a beautiful Madonna del Rosario in the third chapel on the right), the Bigari, Giovanni Viani, Nicola Bertoni, and other important local artists. Angelo Pió and Cometti contributed the sculptures, with the latter creating the two stunning statues of San Luca and San Marco on either side of the main entrance. Venturoli designed the central altar, which was built in 1815 and is elaborately ornamented with marble and bronze.
Behind the presbytery, there is a small staircase that leads to an apse with the valuable image. The sacred picture is a pilgrimage site, not just for committed Bolognese who walk the lengthy portico, but also for pilgrims from all around the country.
The Sanctuary is accessible from the city center by the world’s longest portico, which begins with the first arch at Porta Saragozza.
