Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Crown

The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona, located in Spiazzi, in the province of Verona, is one of the most suggestive and fascinating places of worship in Italy. This sanctuary is known for its spectacular location, nestled in the side of a cliff of Monte Baldo, at 774 meters above sea level, with a breathtaking view of the Adige valley. The history of the sanctuary dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a hermitage for monks connected to the Abbey of San Zeno in Verona. The site was chosen for its inaccessibility and tranquility, ideal for meditation and prayer. According to a local legend, a statue of the Pieta was miraculously transported by angels from the monastery of Rodi to Monte Baldo to save it from the Turkish invasion. This legend helped to consolidate the sacred character of the place, attracting pilgrims from all over. The first religious building on the site was built in 1530 and in 1625 the construction of a larger church began, completed in 1685. In the following centuries, the church underwent various expansions and renovations. In the 19th century, the facade was rebuilt in Gothic style with marble decorations, under the guidance of architects Giuseppe Magagnotti and Emilio Paor. This phase culminated in 1899 with the solemn coronation of the statue of the Sorrowful Madonna. In the early 20th century, the interior of the sanctuary was further enriched with the works of sculptor Ugo Zannoni, including statues and panels of the Via Crucis in Carrara marble. Between 1975 and 1978, the sanctuary underwent a significant restructuring and expansion. Architect Guido Tisato designed the demolition of the old church, while keeping the most significant elements, to build a larger and more modern structure. In 1982, the sanctuary was granted the title of minor basilica and in 1988 it was visited by Pope John Paul II, an event commemorated by a medallion located outside the sanctuary. Access to the sanctuary is mainly through two paths: the Path of Hope, a 2.5 km path starting from the village of Brentino Belluno, and an asphalt pedestrian path built in the 1920s. Both paths are enriched by bronze statues representing the stations of the Via Crucis, works of architect Raffaele Bonente, guiding pilgrims towards the sanctuary. Inside the sanctuary, visitors can admire the Holy Stairs, a reproduction of the stairs that Jesus would have climbed on the day of his crucifixion, and a series of frescoes and works of art adorning the chapels and rooms. The statue of the Madonna with Child, at the center of worship, is particularly venerated and considered miraculous.