Cathedral of Santo Stefano Protomartire and Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Angelo - Caorle (VE) - Veneto

The Duomo rises from the ruins of a pre-existing early Christian basilica, as evidenced by the finds found, already present in the Cathedral of Torcello and in the Basilica of San Marco in Venice... The Sanctuary on the other hand, founded around the 9th century, is the first sacred building built in the town, according to Giovanni Musolino... #tuttitaly

Duomo Position📍 Sanctuary Position📍 Video🎥

In the heart of Caorle, framed by the lively Piazza Vescovado, stands the majestic presence of the Cathedral, a witness to the city's millennia-old past. Built in the distant year of 1038 and dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, this treasure trove of art and faith presents itself to visitors with its majestic Romanesque architecture enriched by evocative Byzantine elements.

Once the threshold of this sacred place is crossed, one finds themselves immersed in a world of endless treasures: from the ancient Roman funerary altar from the 1st century AD located at the base of the tabernacle, to the extraordinary Golden Altarpiece from the 13th-14th centuries behind the main altar, a masterpiece of Venetian goldsmithing influenced by Byzantine forms. There are also features such as the wooden crucifix from the 15th century, the 15th-century fresco of Saint Christopher, the baptismal font from 1587, and the suggestive canvases of the Venetian school from the 16th-17th centuries.

Next to the Cathedral, the imposing Campanile stands tall, an undisputed symbol of Caorle. This cylindrical tower dating back to the 11th century, measuring around 40 meters high and slightly leaning eastward, offers a breathtaking view that encompasses the sea and the lagoon. After a recent renovation, the Campanile is now visitable by appointment and at sunset it offers nighttime scenes of incomparable beauty that characterize the unique atmosphere of Caorle.

Continuing along the coast, we encounter the striking Church of Madonna dell'Angelo, erected around the turn of the millennium, majestically located at the beginning of Levante Beach. The stretch of coast in front of the church is known as "Madonnina Beach" in honor of the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that sailors, finding a floating Madonna statue on a marble block at sea, managed to bring it to the ancient Sanctuary with the help of children.

A visit to the Sanctuary reveals the presence of the Statue of the Blessed Virgin, protected by a glass panel on the main altar, alongside the crucifix chapel where the statue found at sea is said to have rested. Gino Filippi's frescoes adorn the ceiling, telling the touching story of the Madonnina. During the coronation feast, celebrated on the second Sunday of July, the Madonnina is carried in a procession at sea while the Cathedral's bell tower burns in an ancient and evocative ritual.

Not to be missed is the sea procession held every five years, an extraordinary event that involves fishermen's boats and celebrates the sacredness of this unique place. Caorle, with its profound spirituality and millennia-old history, emerges as an unmissable destination for those seeking art, faith, and unique inspirations.

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