Portico di San Luca, Portico in Bologna, Italy

The Portico di San Luca is a covered arcade of 3.8 km with 658 to 666 red-painted arches, running west from the Arco Bonaccorsi opposite Porta Saragozza to the Madonna di San Luca sanctuary. For 1.5 km it follows Via Saragozza on flat ground, crosses it at the Arco del Meloncello, then climbs 2.3 km along Via di San Luca past 15 chapels spaced about every twenty arches.

The road up to the sanctuary was paved in 1589, and pilgrims hung images of the Rosary mysteries on roadside trees, prompting vicar Olimpia Boccaferri to build fifteen chapels from 1640. Camillo Saccenti's 1655 portico project was abandoned for cost, then revived in 1673 by private citizens; construction ran from 1674 to 1721 under Giovanni Giacomo Monti, then Francesco Monti Bendini and Carlo Francesco Dotti, who designed the Arco del Meloncello in 1721.

The route preserves a tradition begun when pilgrims hung images of the Rosary mysteries on trees along the road, prompting vicar Olimpia Boccaferri to build fifteen chapels in 1640. These chapels still stand about every twenty arches along the climb, and ex-votos of different eras line the passage.

Walking the entire route is possible in one day but requires stamina due to the continuous uphill slope during the second half. Comfortable footwear and water are essential, and it is wise to start early to ensure you have adequate daylight for the entire journey.

The route's 658 to 666 arches are painted red, and about every twenty arches on the uphill stretch stands one of fifteen chapels begun in 1640 under vicar Olimpia Boccaferri. Votive offerings of different eras hang along the way, and many painted coats of arms above the arches were lost in the restorations of 1819 and 1955.