Where in the World is Sharon Daugherty2

Generally and the Bolognese preferred method of arriving at San Luca is to walk up the hill. We took a cab and shall walk down the hill. Aren't we smart?

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is a basilica church and a symbol of Bologna, sited atop a forested hill, Colle or Monte della Guardia, some 300 metres above the city plain, just south-west of the historical centre of the city.

This walk takes you from the centre of Bologna to and along the Portico of San Luca. The Portico of San Luca is one of the longest arcades in the world. The arcade is 3.5 km (1mile 974 yards) long and has 666 arcades.

(This picture from the internet shows the portico from the foot of the hill to the top)

It connects the Porta Saragozza with the San Luca Sanctuary, on Colle della Guardia. The Sanctuary was meant to house a miraculous icon of the virgin. The arcade was meant to protect the icon as it was paraded up the hill. A yearly procession proceed from the church of San Pietro in the center of Bologna to the Sanctuary along this path (in total a little over 3 miles). Originally the arches held icons or chapels erected by the patron family.

It was a bit foggy and rainy, but still beautiful

views over the area around Bologna

We sat quietly in the church while this communion with children was being offered)

The icon of the Madonna (from the internet as we did not want to disturb the service)

There were many chapels along the route for the Monti family (It was a Monti who designed the basilica).

We are so happy to be walking down and not up

finally the bottom of the hill. It's only another 2 miles or so

to city center

The Saragoza Portal (the old city wall)

we only got a little lost as neither of us thought to bring our handy dandy map of Bologna, which really helps when you get on the little twisty, turny streets. Well, one of the last things on our list of things to see in Bologna. It was worth the walk.

Our last meal in Bologna at our favorite neighborhood restaurant, Osteria Borcaindosso.

Management and staff - the best

Porcini mushrooms are in season and are they huge

I ordered a mere pasta with seasonal vegetrables

Terry tortolloni with butter and sage sauce

then she ordered the beef and mushrooms and they brought enough for both of us. I was already full, so Terry ate hers and some of mine.

The lovely couple and their daughter that sat next to us. They were from Southern California and we ended up having a great conversation. In fact, they ended up buying our dinner. Wow what great people and their daughter Aubrey (hope I spelled correctly) was a very charming and beautiful young lady. What a nice family. His father studied medicine in Bologna and they came back to see the city. I can't believe we didn't get their names. Maybe we cab connect on facebook.