An ancient tradition tells that the walls of the shrine existed in Nazareth, Galilea: the Holy House is the same house where Our Lady Mary was born, grew up and received the angelic announcement.
This tradition, based on devotion and popular belief, ascribed the transportation of the House of Nazareth to an angelic mission. Current historical studies have developed the hypothesis of a transportation carried out by man, by way of sea and land, that was made possible thanks to special assistance from above. The original nucleus of the Holy House consists of three walls only: in Nazareth, the original fourth wall was simply the side opened towards the entrance of the grotto. The interior altar of the Holy House now stands on that side.
The Holy Chamber can be clearly defined in two different parts. The lower section (from the ground up to almost 3 meters in height) is the original wall, made of sandstone blocks, built in regular rows, as one might find in Nazareth; the upper section was added later with Le Marche local brick, the only building material used in the area for that method of construction.
The basilica built around the Santa Casa was started in 1469 in late Gothic style, probably based on a design of Marino di Marco Cedrino, and completed in 1587 with its facade in late renaissance style.
The square, bordered on the east side by the facade of the basilica with its bell-tower, on the north and west by the Apostolic Palace and on the south by the Illiric Palace, is also embellished by a central fountain.
In the middle of Piazza della Madonna stands an artistic fountain, designed by the celebrated Carlo Maderno and his uncle Giovanni Fontana and built between 1604 and 1614. The fountain is adorned with bronze sculptures, carved by Tarquinio and Pietro Paolo Jacometti in 1622.
A little further we can find the Municipal Palace, with its brick walls; its 17th century bell-tower is the work of Giovanni Branca, while the battlement was added in 1887. In the small square there is a monument to Garibaldi, with a marble bust by Ettore Ferrari (1886).
The Treasury Hall or Hall of Pomarancio was built at the beginning of the 17th century to house liturgical ornaments, vestments and the votive gifts offered by the churchgoers. The excellent frescos are by Cristoforo Roncalli, known as Pomarancio (1605-1610), with ten stories from the life of the Madonna, six prophets and six Sibyls. These frescos are considered masterpieces of late roman mannerism.
Representatives of the tourism industry will be staying in Rimini from October 11 to 13, taking part in the TTG Travel Experience 2023 fair - the most important event of this type in Italy. Of course, our association - Shrines of Europe - could not be missing among the exhibitors.
Read moreDid you know that according to legend, in the 13th century, the holy house of Mary was moved from Palestine to Italy on angel wings? If this were true, this flight would be the first transport flight in the history of the world! And over what distance - the road from Palestine to Italy is over 2,200 km. But of course, when you are an angel, anything is possible.
Read moreIs it possible to explore all 7 Shrines of Europe cities in one weekend? The distances on the map say: Nope… Not unless you have seven-league boots. But that's only in fairy tales...
Read moreOn May 27, the opening of the photography exhibition "Shrines of Europe - the path of culture and spirituality" took place.
Read moreWelcome to the new website of the Shrines of Europe Association, where you will find information about the cities - sanctuaries of Europe - the most important centers of Marian worship on the Old Continent.
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