History:

is a Catholic church and the most important Marian sanctuary in the city of Bologna, Italy. The Sanctuary is located at the top of the Colle di San Luca, a hill in the city and it is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church and its portico were constructed between 1674 and 1723. The 65 meter high bell tower is an eye-catching feature of the city's skyline. The portico of San Luca is a continuous row of 666 porticoes among the longest in the world. It connects the city of Bologna to the sanctuary in a 4 kilometer long walk. The "Madonna of San Luca" is the main statue within the temple. It is one of the best temple in Italy which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is a famous and important devotional complex in Bologna, Italy, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 2. Located on a hill that leads to the city from the west, it is famous for its 10 kilometer long portico of 666 arches that extends from the city up to the Basilica. 3. The original church dates back to the 11th century when it was built in gratitude to the Virgin Mary for ending an outbreak of the plague and protecting the city from war. 4. The portico of arches was constructed between 1674 and 1723 to protect the disciples from bad weather and prevent attacks, and it is now one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. 5. Inside the church is the original 13th century Byzantine icon of the Virgin, also known as the La Madonna di San Luca, which is widely venerated. 6. The views from the top of the hill are some of the most impressive in the area, and many visitors come to the sanctuary to take it all in. 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 of San Luca is the oldest and most famous Marian sanctuary. This sanctuary was built between 1674 and 1793, resting atop a hill as an ancient winding system of porticoes. There are numerous devotionals and sacred services throughout the year, as the Madonna of San Luca is the patron of the city of Bologna. The most popular devotionals and services that take place at the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca are the four feasts of Our Lady of San Luca, as well as other special days such as the Ascension and the Dedication of the Church. On particular days, special masses and processions are held in honor of the Madonna. During these processions, attendees get to kiss and venerate the image of Our Lady of San Luca, which is a painting of the Madonna with the infant Jesus in her arms. Attendees also get to spend their time in prayer in the shrine that is located in the Sacred Grotto and join in the singing of hymns. Additionally, visitors may also choose to partake in the devotional blessing of the Guard of Honor members who serve the Madonna, or Confraternity members, at the conclusion of the procession. Outside of the processions and mass services, devotees can take part in the Rosary of San Luca which is held every Saturday. Devotees also can frequently participate in the numerous novenas and votive offerings that can be dedicated to the Madonna at the Sanctuary. In order to promote the devotion of the Marian Sanctuary, there are monthly open houses, special days dedicated to disabled persons, and musical concerts. Overall, the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is a religious and spiritual space that provides numerous ways of validating and expressing faith through the intercession of the Madonna. With the increasing number of devotees to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca in Bologna, there is also an effort to connect the sanctuary with other sites in Italy such as Rome, Milan, Padua and Ravenna. These connections are done through pilgrimage tours to each site, with people travelling from the Sanctuary to the other sites in honour of the devotion they have to the Madonna. This helps to promote and support the spiritual and religious nature of the pilgrimage as well as the Marian cult and devotion. The number of people attending increases each year, showing the dedication and faith of the Italians to the Sanctuary and the Madonna. This most visited temple in Italy

Opening Timing:

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca in Bologna, Italy is open every day from 7.45am to 6.30pm. top temples in Italy

How to reach:

To reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca in Bologna, Italy, the best way is by car. Bologna is easily accessible from all major cities in Italy by highway and provides many options for parking near the sanctuary. Alternatively, travelers can take the train from their city of origin to Florence, then transfer to a regional train to Bologna. The trek from the Bologna Centrale train station to the sanctuary is about 4 kilometers, so visitors may want to take a taxi or bus, although the walk is quite pleasant. famous temples in Italy