Description
Erected in the Baroque style by Carlo Francesco Dotti in 1741, the long portico leading to the majestic Santuario is made up of 666 arches which run for 3,500 metres from Porta Saragozza to the sanctuary on Colle della Guardia. Built in honour of an image of the Madonna, the edifice is beautiful, both for its architecture and its exclusive view. Each May the citizens of Bologna carry the figure of the Madonna around the city in procession. People travel from all over the world to take part—it is said that doing so is of great spiritual benefit.