The Portico of San Luca in Bologna, which, at 3,796 meters, is the world’s longest portico, is launching a crowd-funding initiative to help with the restoration of its arcades and frescoes.
People can contribute two ways: they can either donate money for the restoration of one of the 658 arcs that make up the monumental portico, built between 1674 and 1715, or help prevent deterioration and eventual detachment of one of the many paintings and frescoes that adorn the walls.
The idea is to “Adopt an arcade” or to “Adopt a fresco”, as the organizers have written on the project’s website, “Un passo per San Luca”.
Those who contribute to the restoration of an arcade, which would cost between 10,000 and 15,000 euros, will have a marble plaque affixed with their names.
Donations for frescoes are free. For 3,500 euros, a person can contribute to the full restoration of a painting. But people can also donate as little as 20 euros.
The Portico di San Luca is a beloved monument by the Bolognesi who often make the uphill walk to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca on Sunday mornings.
