San Luca Portico Walk

The Portico di San Luca is the longest portico in the world: 3.796 km from the Saragozza gate to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on the hilltop, covered by 666 arches (the number of the beast was chosen deliberately to protect pilgrims from the Devil for the duration of the walk). The portico was built between 1674 and 1793 by subscription: each arch was funded by a Bolognese family or institution, and their coats of arms are on the keystones. The walk uphill takes 45-60 minutes at a moderate pace. The sanctuary at the top (free, open daily) has the Byzantine icon of the Virgin said to have been painted by Luke the Evangelist, which is of course impossible but which has been in Bologna since the 12th century. The view from the sanctuary terrace covers the city, the Po Valley, and on clear days the Alps. The descent is easier than the ascent: allow 30-40 minutes back down. The tourist San Luca Express train (EUR 10 return) is an alternative if you prefer not to walk.