The Meloncello Arch was completed in 1732 by the architect Carlo Francesco Dotti. From this point diverge the three main porticos of Bologna: To the north, passing alongside the stadium to the Certosa (municipal cemetery); To the east, leading to the Saragozza Gate and the center of the city; To the southwest, the Portico of San Luca, leading up to the Madonna of San Luca Sanctuary.


With its 666 arches, this arcade winds up the hill for 3796 km, climbing up a slope of about 200 metres and link the Blessed Virgin of St. Luca Shrine to the town's gate.