Make sure you are fit and able if you are walking this, brilliant experience but god was i tired when i reached the top, only to have to get back down after! you can take a bus up to the top but part of the experience I feel is walking it. Lovely views of Bologna at the top. Toilets and a water the top.

This is a roughly 3.5km long continuous stretch of portico arcade between the Saragozza Gate and the San Luca Sanctuary in the city of Bologna. It is considered the longest covered gallery in the world and along with the many km of porticos found with the city centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2021). It was constructed between 1674-1721 to provide covered passageway for pilgrims for their journey up to the sanctuary from the city. The first 1.5 km walk between Saragozza Gate and the Meloncello Arch is flat and easy. It follows alongside Via Saragozza. You will walk past quite a few eateries, bars, food shops along the way. After passing through Meloncello Arch, the next 2 km takes a more southwest route and ascent up to the sanctuary. The upward walk is gradual at times and fairly steep in certain sections, particularly as you near the San Luca. Allow plenty of a couple hours to walk up to San Luca from your hotel at least and take breaks along the way if needed. Have your water bottle ready as well. You will likely need it at some stage of the walk. As you climb elevation you will find nice views of the historic centre of Bologna and countryside to the south of the city.

Portico di San Luca is the longest portico in the world, at 2.4 miles, and leads up to the top of Monte della Guardia. The Portico is physically attached to the Basilica di San Luca. It took 40 years to build because of difficulties encountered during construction of portions on the side of the hill.

You start directly at a city gate and can walk under the portico with dry feet or, like us, in the shade up to the monastery of San Luca. It goes up to 280 meters high and there are great panoramic views, no need for the sky experience. Once you get to the top you already have a great view of Bologna.

Lovely walk to the top. The views certainly make some of the steeper bits worth it! I would recommend taking a water bottle with you - there is a tap to refill at the top. The sides of the portico allows for refuge from the sun, and there are artworks along the way to stop and look at.