The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, set into the rock face of Monte Baldo, is one of the most evocative and spiritual places on Lake Garda. Situated at a height of 774 metres, it offers a breathtaking view of the valley and the lake below.
Its foundation, linked to a miracle and the protection of the Madonna, has attracted believers and pilgrims from all over the world, making it an important spiritual landmark.
The history of the sanctuary is closely tied to the Order of the Knights of St. John, who oversaw its management and expansion in the 15th century, transforming it into a more accessible place of worship. In 1625, the sanctuary was officially blessed, and, over the following centuries, its popularity grew.
Architecturally, the sanctuary is a perfect fusion of nature and art, with a neo-Gothic façade decorated in precious marble and a bell tower that stands out against the landscape. Inside, the 16-metre-high nave and the apse carved into the rock create an extraordinary atmosphere.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is unique not only for its spectacular location but also for its historical and religious significance, which has made it a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
Its origin is linked to a fascinating legend: it is said that in 1522, a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, fleeing from the island of Rhodes to escape the Turkish invasion, miraculously reached Mount Baldo thanks to an angelic intervention.
According to tradition, some locals, drawn by a bright light and angelic singing, discovered the statue and decided to build a chapel on the very spot where it was found.
Since then, the sanctuary has evolved over the centuries, growing from a small chapel into a major centre of devotion.