According to legend, attracted by magical fires, some young people let themselves be lowered with ropes, discovering the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of a rock spur... #tuttitaly
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona is a magical and evocative place in the province of Verona. This unique sanctuary is set in the rock 775 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Val d'Adige.
Legend
Its history is shrouded in a fascinating legend. It is said that a group of local people, attracted by a bright light and an angelic choir coming from a rock face, lowered themselves with ropes to discover a mysterious statue. Fascinated by this vision, they decided to build a chapel in the exact spot of the discovery, where they placed the sculpture.
News of the discovery spread quickly, attracting more and more pilgrims eager to visit the place. However, the chapel was located on a precipice, making pilgrimage difficult. The famous "Ponte del Tiglio" was built to facilitate the access, and steps were dug into the rock.
Description
The Sanctuary building is impressive, with a surface area of 600 m2. Its dome, which rises on top, reaches a height of 18 meters. The façade, built in neo-Gothic style, is decorated with marble from Sant'Ambrogio. Next to the main building stands a 33-meter-high bell tower.
The façade has a central door flanked by two Carrara marble sculptures depicting Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Mary Magdalene, the work of Ugo Zannoni. Inside the Sanctuary, you can admire numerous works by the Veronese sculptor, including the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, now located in the Confessions chapel.
The Confessions chapel is under the main church and connected via the Holy Staircase. The Sanctuary is structured in three naves, with the central one reaching a height of 16 meters.
The wall of the left nave and the apse are entirely dug into the rock, creating a unique atmosphere. Here, there is a representation of the Holy Shroud and the "Scented Stone," a marble soaked in spikenard oil, symbolizing Christ's anointing.
Conclusion
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona is a place of great spirituality and beauty, where history, legend, and art come together in a unique experience.
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