Portico di San Luca, Covered walkway in Bologna, Italy
The Portico di San Luca is a covered walkway in Bologna that links the city center to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on the hilltop. It runs for about 2.4 miles (3.8 km) and is formed by 666 arches resting on columns.
Construction of the portico began in 1674 and was completed in 1774, built in sections over the course of a century. The walkway was created to shelter pilgrims making their way up to the church on the hill.
The Portico di San Luca starts at the Porta Saragozza, one of the old city gates of Bologna. Along the way, fifteen small chapels dedicated to the mysteries of the rosary serve as stopping points for prayer.
The path can be walked at any time of year, since the arches provide shelter from rain and sun. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, as the route climbs steadily and includes some steps near the top.
The Arco del Meloncello, a baroque arch along the route, marks the point where the flat section ends and the hill climb begins. This structure was originally built as a bridge over a canal.
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