Cycling San Luca/Colle della Guardia

Short but legendary, the San Luca climb is only about 2 km long — yet it has written some of the most iconic pages in Italian cycling. Its brutal gradients, with ramps up to 18%, make it a true test of power and rhythm.

This ascent has long been the signature finish of the Giro dell’Emilia, one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious one-day races, often decided on its punishing final meters. The climb also hosted the final time trial of the 2019 Giro d’Italia, and it took the international stage again during the 2024 Tour de France Grand Départ in Bologna, confirming its mythic status in world cycling.

Bike choice & preparation: This is not a climb for casual bike setups; you need decent fitness and a “worthy” bike.

Pacing strategy: Due to the steep opening and the brutal middle section, it helps to pace conservatively at the start. Push too hard early, and you risk blowing up before the Orfanelle. Use that flatter section to stabilize, then mentally brace yourself for the steepest ramp.

Cycling the San Luca climb in Bologna is one of Italy’s most iconic short hill challenges. Starting beneath the Arco del Meloncello, the ascent on Colle della Guardia immediately hits with ramps of 11–15%, placing riders straight into the heart of this legendary climb. As you pedal upward, the historic Portico di San Luca arches overhead, offering glimpses of Bologna’s rooftops and creating a uniquely atmospheric, architectural backdrop.

A brief easing in gradient provides a moment to recover before the climb’s toughest section: the Curva delle Orfanelle, where slopes can spike up to 18%. From here, a long, relentless straight ramp demands full commitment: the signature challenge of cycling San Luca in Bologna.

In the final 400 meters, the gradient softens to 6–8%, guiding you toward the summit. The climb ends at the stunning Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, where panoramic views over Bologna reward every pedal stroke. For cyclists seeking a short yet unforgettable challenge, the San Luca climb delivers history, intensity, and unmatched scenery in under two kilometers.