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Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona in Italy

Have you seen a church, suspended halfway between Heaven and Earth?

Best time: all year round

Santuario Basilica
Madonna della Corona
Santuario Basilica
Madonna della Corona
Santuario Basilica
Madonna della Corona

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

The church was built in the early 16th century, and its main chapel saw numerous changes over the following centuries growing larger and having an even larger church constructed over the existing one. Fortunately, the church managed to survive until the 20th century. It was never completely desecrated or destroyed. In the 1970s, an Italian architect tore down a great deal of the aging structure and built it back up, trying to retain its essential artistic embellishments.

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 the Pilate’s palace stairs that Jesus had climbed before he was condemned to be crucified.

A hike to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is more than a memorable and touching experience, but it requires a 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.

When to visit

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.

Practical info

When was the Madonna della Corona sanctuary built?

According to historical records, the Madonna della Corona Sanctuary was constructed and finished in the first decade of the 1500s. The sanctuary's main chapel underwent various modifications in the subsequent centuries, eventually resulting in the construction of a more extensive church above it. In the 1970s, the church underwent extensive renovations to preserve its artwork and extend its facilities completed with a modern design. Show more

Where is the Madonna della Corona sanctuary situated?

Spiazzi, a picturesque location in northern Italy, provides a home to the Madonna della Corona sanctuary. It is raised 2,539 feet or 774 meters above the sea level and located amidst the towering mountains, the Adige river valley, the coralline church, and the Baldo rocks. The sanctuary offers a stunning view to its visitors, making it a popular attraction for tourists and hikers alike. Spiazzi is situated off Lago di Garda and is less than an hour away from Verona. Show more

How long does the hike to reach the sanctuary usually take?

To reach the Madonna della Corona sanctuary, individuals experience a challenging and winding path. The trail stretches 4.6 kilometers and may take up to two hours for its ascent and descent. The terrain is steep in certain sections, and it requires a good level of physical fitness. Hikers and pilgrims enjoy hiking through the woods and rocks, which take them through the picturesque backdrop of the towering mountains and winding river. The hike concludes with a long stairway leading to the entrance of the sanctuary. Show more

What is the Scala Santa, and why is it significant?

The Scala Santa or Holy Stairs is a replica of the stairs from the old Palace of Pilate located in Jerusalem that Jesus climbed to meet Pontius Pilate. The Scala Santa is situated in the central nave accessible for individuals only by ascending to their knees as a sign of devotion. The architecture attracts many visitors making a pilgrimage to the Madonna della Corona sanctuary, looking to pay respect to Jesus Christ and honor his sufferings and sacrifice. Show more

When is the best time to visit the Madonna della Corona sanctuary?

The Madonna della Corona sanctuary is accessible throughout the year, but the perfect time to visit may depend on each person's preference. During summer, the sanctuary's visitors tend to be crowded, while during winters, they offer a quiet, peaceful, and tranquil environment. Sundays can become crowded owing to the weekly mass and religious services. Nevertheless, The sanctuary's splendid view is visible at any time of the year, and during autumn, the foliage offers a bright color, enhancing the site's beauty and making it an ideal time to visit. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin