Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Verona, located on the San Leonardo hill, is one of the most significant places of worship in the city, not only for its religious importance, but also for its historical and artistic value. Built originally as an Austrian military fort in 1838, the site underwent an extraordinary transformation, transitioning from a place of war to a symbol of peace and devotion. Fort San Leonardo was built by order of Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as part of a complex defensive system created under the direction of General Von Scholl. This fort dominated the city from above and, during World War II, was used as a political prison by the Nazi-fascists. However, after the war, the religious order of the Stigmatines decided to convert this place, filled with painful memories, into a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. The statue of the Virgin, miraculously surviving the bombings of 1945, became the heart of this new space of prayer and reconciliation. The reconstruction of the sanctuary was entrusted to the architect Paolo Rossi de’ Paoli, who designed a circular church at the center of the old fort, preserving part of the existing structures. The sanctuary was inaugurated in 1964 and represents a fascinating example of modern architecture that harmoniously integrates with the ancient fortifications. The large window behind the main altar allows the statue of the Madonna to be seen, creating a sense of continuity between interior and exterior, almost symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. The sanctuary is enriched with numerous artistic treasures, including fifteen bas-reliefs depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary, the work of sculptor Vittorio Conte di Colbertaldo, and several paintings by the artist Aronne Del Vecchio. Additionally, in the crypt there is a 15th-century fresco depicting the Madonna with Child, attributed to the school of Altichiero da Zevio, adding further cultural and historical value to the site. In addition to its religious significance, the sanctuary offers one of the most beautiful views of Verona, thanks to its elevated position. The square in front of the church is an ideal place to contemplate the city and reflect, immersed in an atmosphere of peace and serenity. This space is also enriched by a Rosary path inaugurated in 2003 and a Via Crucis created by sculptor Gabriella Manfrin, inaugurated in 2014. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is not only a place of prayer, but also a symbol of hope and rebirth. Its history, which sees the transformation of a war site into a sanctuary of peace, reflects a universal message of reconciliation and faith. Every year, the sanctuary attracts numerous pilgrims and visitors, who find in this place a spiritual refuge and a privileged vantage point to admire the beauty of Verona. The statue of the Madonna, sculpted by Ugo Zannoni in 1908, is at the center of devotion. Miraculously surviving the bombings that destroyed the original sanctuary, the statue has been placed in a niche behind the main altar, visible through a large window symbolizing a breach opened in the ancient bastion.