On a recent visit to Bologna, while I noticed an iluminated church on al hill. No matter how the freeway turned, it was visible. The city of Bologna is rather flat and to the East the foothills of the Appenines start. The Basilica di San Luca is situated on one of these hills.

When travelling on the road to Florence you see it more clearly. It seems to be looking at the city and almost gives you the feeling of an guardian angel.

On my visit there I started to climb a very long portico from the Via Saragozza, at city level. It streched endlessly in front of me. Climbing stairs and walking the incline was strenuous in the summer heat. At times looking back and looking down the endless way I had walked seemed as if I was in another world. At the top is the beautiful basilica.

Unfortunately at that stage it was being restored. But nothing could compare with its beautiful architecture the view over the city and the mountains. We were allowed to visit the little chapel of the Madonna situated in the basilica and could peep in from the gallery.

It is an experience that I will never forget although it took me a whole afternoon to visit it. There is a road to the top but walking from the city is an experience. There are alcoves in the portico, with painted murals.