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Photo of Santuario di Madonna di San Luca
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The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is a basilica church located in Bologna, Italy. The church is dedicated to the Madonna and is located atop the Colle della Guardia hill, which overlooks the city of Bologna. The sanctuary is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics and is visited by thousands of people each year.

The church was originally built in the 12th century, but was rebuilt in the 18th century in a Baroque style by the architect Carlo Francesco Dotti. The church is known for its impressive portico, which spans over 3.5 kilometers and is lined with 666 arches. The portico was built in the 17th century and is the longest in the world.

Inside the sanctuary, visitors can admire the beautiful frescoes and works of art by famous artists such as Guido Reni and Ludovico Carracci. The most important work of art in the church is the icon of the Madonna di San Luca, which is believed to have miraculous powers.

Visitors can reach the sanctuary by walking up the Colle della Guardia hill, which takes around 45 minutes, or by taking the San Luca Express, a tourist train that runs from the city center of Bologna to the sanctuary. The view from the top of the hill is spectacular and offers panoramic views of the city of Bologna and the surrounding hills.