Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona in Italy 2024-2025

Madonna della Corona Sanctuary, or Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona in Italian, is an ideal place for those willing to calm down and relish the silence with inner peace and prayer with a chance to hike and enjoy the stunning beauty of the place.

The Beauty of the Location

The sanctuary is 2,539 feet (774 m) above sea level in Spiazzi, one of the most scenic locations in northern Italy, just off Lago di Garda and less than an hour from Verona.

A hike to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is more than a memorable and touching experience; it requires good physical shape. This strenuous walk allows you to comprehend the gorgeous beauty of the site—these unbelievably towering mountains, the river Adige winding through, the valley below, and the coralline church peaking behind the Baldo rocks.

History

The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona has a rich history that spans centuries. It's said that even before the rise of Christianity, people were drawn to this peaceful and beautiful spot, which was once difficult to reach. Around the year 1000 AD, monks from the nearby Monastery of San Zeno in Verona established a hermitage at the site, retreating there to live in solitude and contemplation.

A narrow, dangerous path led to the hermitage, but the tranquility of the location continued to attract visitors. By the late 1200s, a monastery and chapel had been built to honor the Madonna of Monte Baldo.

The first church at the site was built between 1480 and 1522 and was inaugurated in 1530 after a visit from the Bishop of Verona. In 1625, the church became a sanctuary and was later rebuilt in a large-scale project completed in 1680 by the Knights of St. John.

The church survived through the centuries, never fully destroyed or desecrated. In the 1970s, an Italian architect Guido Tisato renovated much of the aging structure, carefully preserving its artistic features.

Religious Significance

The sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, or Our Lady of the Crown, is a unique shrine to visit. It is also a pilgrimage site for believers who come to see the Scala Santa, a replica of Pilate's palace stairs that Jesus had climbed before he was condemned to be crucified.

Best Time to Visit

The sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is open year-round. Opening hours differ throughout the year: from 8 am to 6 pm between November and March and from 7 am to 7:30 pm between April and October.

When planning the best time to visit the sanctuary, keep in mind that summers tend to be crowded. Winter months are usually peaceful and quiet. Sundays get rather busy, but the beauty of choir singing echoing in the valley could make up for the social discomfort.

Arrive as early as possible during the high season or on religious feast days, as the sanctuary attracts an ever-increasing number of pilgrims and visitors.

Getting There & Admission

The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is located in the Veneto region of Italy, about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Verona and 12.5 miles (20 km) northeast of Garda, along the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The nearest town is Spiazzi, which serves as the main access point to the sanctuary.

From Spiazzi, visitors can either walk down a small road, take the stairs, or use a shuttle bus. Usually, it's not allowed to drive your car down to the sanctuary. Walking takes about 15 minutes, depending on your pace.

For those looking to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, the Sentiero della Speranza (Hope's Path) offers a scenic trail starting from the town of Brentino Belluno. The trail is 2,425 meters long, includes 1,540 steps, and has an elevation gain of 600 meters. It typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, offering beautiful views of the Adige River valley.

There is no admission fee to the Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona; you can visit the church and sanctuary for free.