History:

: The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is a Catholic pilgrimage site located just outside the walls of the city of Bologna in northern Italy. It is a major religious and historic landmark in the city, and also a popular tourist destination. The sanctuary was originally built on the flat plain of Montevergine in the 13th century, and was later moved to its current location on the hill of San Luca in the late 15th century. The shrine is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It stands at the top of a 3.5 km long arcade of porticos which wind up the hillside. This arcade of 666 arches was built to protect the representation of the Madonna and the faithful en route, and was made possible in part by the donations of those faithful. Along the way, visitors can find several churches, shrines, and chapels containing relics and works of art. The sanctuary itself contains several precious works of art, the most famous being the mosaic representation of the Madonna di San Luca in the main chapel. Many of the faithful who make the pilgrimage to the sanctuary carry an image of the Madonna in their pocket, while others make the "nine turn" pilgrimage a tradition, walking the 3.5 km route nine times until they are able to see the Madonna in the main chapel. It is one of the best temple in Italy which you must visit.

Facts:

-The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is a historic Roman Catholic Marian sanctuary located in the hills of Bologna, Italy. -Built in 1160, the sanctuary stands at the top of the hill known as San Luca, some 230 m above sea level. -The current structure was begun in 1674 and completed in 1789. -The church is the destination of a religious procession dedicated to the Virgin Mary that has taken place annually since 1433. -The iconic porticoed corridor of the sanctuary, known as the Pilgrims’ Portico, is 985m long and consists of 666 arches. -The pilgrimage is generally completed on the first Sunday of May annually. -The Baroque Church of the Virgin was decorated by artists such as Bernardino Galliari and Francesco Appiani. -On October 5, 1990, the sanctuary was visited by Pope John Paul II. -The church also contains works by Giuseppe Maria Mazza, Giacomo De Maria, and Raffaele Gandolfi. Here are some facts about the Italy temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Italy

Worship Method:

, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca or the Shrine of Our Lady of San Luca is a pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics. It is located on the Colle della Guardia, a hill on the outskirts of Bologna. The sanctuary is made of up of the church, the entrance gate, and the portico, which winds up for 3.5 kilometers starting in the center of Bologna. The worship method here is typical of Catholic churches in Italy, with services of Mass, confession, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and other devotions. The main highlight of worship here is the tratturo, a procession through the portico. Several times a year, pilgrims start their journey at the Basilica of San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore and go through the portico up to the church, praying and singing hymns that speak of the Virgin Mary. The bright light of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca comes from the numerous candles brought to the tratturo from pilgrims, who sometimes come dressed as traditional characters in honor of the Virgin Mary. On special occasions, such as the celebration of the saint, the procession is also accompanied by music from the drum and bagpipe group of the Sanctuary. At the end of the tratturo, devotees offer prayers to the Virgin Mary in the sanctuary itself. There, the faithful can also seek advice and guidance to their prayers from priests and the statue of Our Lady. Once the visit is finished, pilgrims are often blessed with a special rosary to take with them in memory of their visit. This most visited temple in Italy

Opening Timing:

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm. top temples in Italy

How to reach:

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca in Bologna can be reached by car, bus, or by hiking up the Sanctuary’s own Via di San Luca. By car: From Bologna city centre, head east on Via Emilia/SR11 and follow signs for San Lazzaro di Savena. At the fork, bear right and follow signs for Via di San Luca. You will drive approximately 4.5km up the hill until you reach the Sanctuary at the top. By bus: Bus number 32 from Piazza Maggiore in Bologna will take you to the Sanctuary. Get off at the Colle della Guardia stop and follow the Via di San Luca up the hill to the Sanctuary. By foot: If you choose to hike up the Via di San Luca, you will need sturdy shoes and some patience. The path is about 2km long and includes 657 arches and 666 steps on a steady incline. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bolognese hills. famous temples in Italy