Porticoes of Bologna and Basilica San Luca Guided tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the famous arcades of Bologna and the Basilica of San Luca with a local guide who will tell you all the anecdotes.
You will board the San Luca Express, the little train that connects the center to the famous Basilica and during the journey you will be able to admire the most famous arcades in the world, a Unesco heritage site, listening to the stories of the guide.
Once in San Luca you will visit the Basilica and the surrounding area with the guide who will tell you its history while admiring Bologna from above and then you will always return on board the San Luca express together with the guide.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
To access the Basilica of San Luca you must have appropriate clothing (covered shoulders and long trousers/skirts at least below the knee)
If the train is not available, it will be replaced by an alternative means.
What To Expect
Santuario di Madonna di San Luca
Guided tour of the Sanctuary of San Luca and access to the panoramic dome
Portico di San Luca
On the way with the San Luca express that takes you from the center of Bologna to the Sanctuary of San Luca you can see one of the most famous arcades in the world that connects the city to the Sanctuary
Options
Tours in English
Tours in Italian
Tour en Español
What‘s Included
Welcome by the Bologna Tour staff
Map of Bologna
San Luca Express ticket
Private guide
Earphones
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pilgrimage
silvanamenni,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Characteristic but tiring the climb on foot to the Basilica of San Luca that starts at the bottom of Via Saragozza to reach the top with a route of about 5 km all under the characteristic arcades (we counted 640 arches) with uphill stretches of which the last step piece... Many people of various nationalities will keep you company in this path that never seems to end but that you can do sitting from time to time admiring the fantastic frescoes restored in the chapels scattered along the way... At the end you will be rewarded by the beauty and majesty of the basilica... Absolutely to do...
Taxi up, walk down is my advice!
joannea584,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Didn't do a tour, went independently. We took a taxi to the Basilica then walked back down through the porticos. It took us an hour and 40 minutes to get down. Advise against walking up unless you're fit as it is uphill almost constantly. Interesting frescoes, great views, would recommend as it's so unusual. Save for a rainy day if you have one as it's all under cover. Loved Bologna!
Walk with beautiful panorama
pinosfamily,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00You can reach the Basilica by car, by train from the center of Bologna or on foot. We left on foot from Zaragoza (we parked near the cemetery, before Dallara) and reached the basilica along all the arcades. The day was uncertain and the porches protected us from the rain (in the case of extreme heat they also protect us from the sun). Stairs are done without problems but if you are not physically prepared they require a little effort. During the journey you have a view of the whole city and with the sun you can enjoy a beautiful panorama. Arrived at the top we visited the Basilica (free admission). You pay the ticket only if you decide to climb the dome.
disastor
Relax826527,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The tour guide showed up late. There was no room for us on the trolley. We would have to wait 90 minutes in 95 deg heat for the next departure. Very stupid and unprofessional operation. This has become common on Viatour. Please refund our money.
Catch.
107h ctord,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After a journey of 5 km and 660 porticoes, you arrive at the basilica, the landscape is very beautiful, the pilgrims who arrive are many. You can visit the tower, I recommend doing it is very interesting. The basilica is beautiful.
Porticoes of Bologna
Debra I,Jun 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Victoria was fantastic explaining details of bologna and its history. Very good. Very easy connection for beginning tour
Plus the porticos of the church
Marmafat,Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We started the route from the Dall'Ara stadium, climbing through the magnetic arcades to the top for on the dome of the sanctuary of San Luca, from where you can admire the 360-degree panorama. More beautiful is the ascent through these enchanting arcades of the church itself, but the climb brings with it something fascinating that is worth seeing.
Very enjoyable
Sightsee45233914808,May 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The guide, Victoria, was excellent. She provided good descriptions of the area and the sanctuary. The sanctuary was very interesting and we were treated to beautiful singing by visiting priests.
An unprecedented descent
Voyage54001047724,Apr 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful trip and a prepared and attentive guide. He told everything in detail and accompanied us in the descent on foot (not planned) from the Basilica of San Luca... made us discover a part of Bologna unpublished!
Basilica of San Luca
matiz15,Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recommend the train tour to visit the Basilica of San Luca and enjoy the view of the Bolognese hills during the trip. The basilica is wonderful. An unmissable stop in the city tour.
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Operated by Bologna Tour & Best Italy Tour