The Portico of San Luca: events you shouldn’t miss in Bologna
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca and its 3.7-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage portico have been at the heart of Bolognese life for centuries. More than just an architectural masterpiece, the Portico of San Luca is a place where locals walk, meet and celebrate. Throughout the year it becomes the natural stage for some of Bologna’s most cherished traditions and events.
The climb to the sanctuary is not for everyone—some sections are quite steep, especially the stretch known as Le Orfanelle. Yet this never discourages the many visitors and locals who make their way up to San Luca to take part in processions, races and celebrations.
Guests staying at Antico Podere San Luca, just a 15-minute walk from the Sanctuary, can experience these events like true locals.
Here’s our seasonal guide to the most important events.
Spring: “So e zò par i Bregual” and the Descent of the Madonna di San Luca
In spring, the Portico of San Luca hosts two very different events—one light-hearted and festive, the other solemn and deeply rooted in tradition. Both share the same destination: the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
So e zò par i Bregual – Easter Monday
Every Easter Monday, in Casalecchio di Reno, just outside Bologna, locals walk the historic CAI Trail 112/A, also known as the Bregoli Trail. The 1.7 km route climbs from Parco della Chiusa (Parco Talon) to the Sanctuary of San Luca.
The walk begins at San Martino Church in Via de’ Bregoli and follows a scenic woodland trail featuring panoramic viewpoints, the small stream that runs alongside the path, the famous Balzo della Pizzacchera, and even a World War II air-raid shelter hidden among the trees. On clear days, you can even see the Alps.
Once participants reach the Sanctuary, everyone heads back down for the traditional Easter snack: bread, boiled eggs, salami and a glass of local Pignoletto wine.
When: Easter Monday (29 March 2027)
More information: https://www.sentierodeibregoli.it/
If you’re visiting Bologna during Easter, why not take on the climb?
By staying at Antico Podere San Luca, you’ll be just a few steps from the entrance to the Bregoli Trail.
Here you can see where we are.
The Descent of the Madonna di San Luca – May
The Descent of the Madonna di San Luca is Bologna’s most important religious celebration.
During the week before Ascension Day, the sacred icon of the Virgin is carried in solemn procession from the Sanctuary on Colle della Guardia, along the UNESCO portico, to St. Peter’s Cathedral in the city centre, where it remains for several days before returning to San Luca.
The tradition dates back to 1433, when relentless rain threatened Bologna’s harvest. The city authorities decided to bring the icon down from the hill. According to tradition, as soon as the procession reached Porta Saragozza, the rain stopped and the sun appeared. From that day onward, the city vowed to repeat the procession every year.
For more than five centuries—with only two interruptions—that promise has been faithfully kept.
Watching the icon carried beneath the porticoes, surrounded by hymns, prayers and thousands of faithful, is one of Bologna’s most moving experiences.
When: The day before Ascension Day
More information: https://www.chiesadibologna.it/madonna-di-san-luca/
Summer: Bologna Portici Festival and the Casaglia–San Luca Night Race
Summer brings two completely different events to San Luca: one celebrates Bologna’s UNESCO porticoes through art and culture, while the other turns the city’s most famous climb into a thrilling night race.
Bologna Portici Festival – June
Every June, Bologna’s 62 kilometres of UNESCO-listed porticoes become the stage for a free city-wide festival.
The Bologna Portici Festival features concerts, talks, exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and cultural events involving writers, artists and performers.
Among the main venues:
- Piazza Maggiore
- Palazzo Pepoli – Museum of the History of Bologna
- Via Farini
- Piazza della Pace
- The Monumental Certosa Cemetery
- The modern porticoes of the Treno della Barca district
For guests staying at Antico Podere San Luca, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover Bologna from a different perspective.
When: Early June
More information: https://www.bolognaporticifestival.it/
Casaglia–San Luca Night Race – Early July
Climbing to San Luca during the hottest days of summer can be challenging…
That’s why hundreds of runners do it after sunset.
The Casaglia–San Luca Night Race, organised by the Acquadêla Sports Association, covers 10.2 km.
Starting near the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium, the course climbs through Via di Casaglia and Montalbano before reaching the Sanctuary. The final downhill section along the famous Orfanelle stretch offers breathtaking views over Bologna illuminated at night.
Even if you’re not running, watching the athletes pass beneath the illuminated porticoes is an unforgettable sight.
Guests at Antico Podere San Luca can even enjoy the race directly from the garden.
When: Early July
More information: https://acquadela.it/index.php/casaglia-san-luca/
Autumn: Passamano per San Luca, Giro dell’Emilia and Giro d’Italia
As autumn colours transform the hills around Bologna, San Luca continues to attract thousands of visitors.
One event deserves a special mention: San Lócca Day.
Created in 2013 to raise funds for the restoration of the Portico of San Luca, it gradually became one of Bologna’s largest street festivals, featuring food stalls, music, performances and artisan markets beneath the porticoes.
The 2025 edition celebrated the completion of the restoration works and marked the festival’s final edition.
Passamano per San Luca – October
Every October, during the International Festival of History, children, students and adults form a long human chain along the Portico of San Luca.
The event commemorates what happened on 17 October 1677, when the people of Bologna passed construction materials hand to hand up the hill while building the portico and sanctuary.
Today, schoolchildren symbolically pass books, educational materials and objects linked to learning.
It’s a simple but deeply moving tradition.
When: October
More information:https://site.unibo.it/festadellastoria/it/passamano-per-san-luca
If you’re visiting Bologna with children, this is a wonderful event to experience together.
Giro dell’Emilia – October
The climb to San Luca is legendary among cyclists.
Every year the Giro dell’Emilia, one of Italy’s most prestigious one-day cycling races, challenges riders with the demanding ascent to the Sanctuary.
The climb has also become iconic in the Giro d’Italia, creating unforgettable moments in cycling history.
Watching the riders tackle the steep Orfanelle climb with Bologna stretching out below them is an extraordinary experience.
Roads are temporarily closed during the race, but spectators line the porticoes to cheer on the cyclists.
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026
More information:
Winter: The Immaculate Conception Walk
During winter the climb to San Luca becomes quieter.
But on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, hundreds of walkers and trekking addicted gather for one of Bologna’s most beloved traditions.
San Luca Walk – 8 December
Organised by the Italian Sports Centre (CSI Bologna), the San Luca Walk welcomes families, casual walkers and experienced hikers alike.
Participants climb together at their own pace before attending Mass at the Sanctuary.
It’s a peaceful and meaningful way to experience the hills of Bologna during the Christmas season.
If you’re planning a winter visit, this event is well worth including in your itinerary.
When: 8 December
More information: https://www.csibologna.it/
Where to stay in Bologna to enjoy the events along the Portico of San Luca
If you’d like to attend one of the many events taking place along the Portico of San Luca without worrying about city traffic, Antico Podere San Luca is the ideal choice.
Located in the Bologna hills, 300 metres above sea level, it is just 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot from the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
Guests can choose between two types of stay:
- Comfortable B&B rooms for short stays
- Self-catering apartments for families and groups
Free on-site parking is available, and the property is surrounded by greenery.
After a day of celebrations, concerts, races or religious processions, you can return to the peace and quiet of the garden and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Bologna hills.
A true home away from home.
Would you like more information or would you like to book your stay?
Contact us with no obligation.