Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca

Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is an important religious and cultural landmark in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna. Bologna’s principal Marian sanctuary, reached by the monumental Portico of San Luca and associated with an ancient revered icon. Its present form is the result of identifiable historical phases.

The present sanctuary was begun in 1741 to designs by Carlo Francesco Dotti and was substantially complete by 1757. An earlier place of devotion and the veneration of a Marian icon preceded it. The establishment is recorded as 18th century present sanctuary.

In physical form, Baroque. Its wider heritage importance is formally recognized: Connected with the UNESCO World Heritage property The Porticoes of Bologna through the Portico of San Luca. The site’s religious importance also includes a clearly identified devotional tradition.

Local devotion surrounds the icon of the Madonna of San Luca. The annual descent of the image to Bologna has been observed since 1433 and is linked in tradition to prayers during a period of destructive rain. Important observances include: Annual procession of the Madonna of San Luca, a tradition dating from 1433.

Reached from Bologna through the historic Portico of San Luca. Its formal name is Santuario della Beata Vergine di San Luca. Its religious administration is associated with Archdiocese of Bologna.

It remains an active Christian place of worship, so liturgies, feast days and pilgrimages can shape how the site is experienced. Visitors should use the official website for current access arrangements, especially around major religious observances.