The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona is located in Ferrara di Monte Baldo, more precisely in Spiazzi, in the province of Verona and is one of the most fascinating places in Italy. 2022 will see the beginning of the jubilee year.

In fact, 500 years have passed since the statue of the Virgin is kept in the sanctuary. Considered a real apparition from the island of Rhodes but, in reality, it was nothing more than a gift from Ludovico di Castelbarco.

Its panoramic position overlooking the Adige Valley makes it quite suggestive and is considered a place of prayer and meditation.

In the article you will find a complete guide to the visit as well as some suggestions for the surroundings.

How to get to the sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona?

The sanctuary, as previously mentioned, is located at 774 meters above sea level and, to reach it, you can park in the village of Spiazzi, and then take a downhill path.

For those wishing to avoid the walk, a shuttle bus service is available which leads directly to the sanctuary. The timetables can be consulted on the company’s page.

You can visit it all year round, you will choose the period in which to do it. Another way to reach it is a much longer and more tiring path, not suitable for everyone given the difference in height it presents.

I’m talking about the path of Hope or the path of the Pilgrim, starting in Brentino Belluno and whose name evokes the desire to find a feeling of peace that has almost vanished. Born as a pilgrimage route, it still retains its function today.

The average travel time is two hours but, of course, it depends on your pace.

The path alternates with stairways at times in constant ascent, enjoy a few minutes’ break at the Cross, admiring the panoramic view of the Adige Valley or at the Grotta della Pietà.

What to see at the sanctuary? Guide to the visit and historical notes

The sanctuary is located in a real crown of rocks and from here its name originates, a mystical and surreal place.

Initially it was inhabited by a group of Benedictine monks from the monastery of San Zeno in Verona who had chosen to live as hermits.

At the end of the 13th century a small church was built and, inside, there was a fresco dedicated to the Madonna which was then dislocated and can now be visited. The church then underwent a change of ownership passing to the Knights of Rhodes. Over the years the monastery has seen several extensions up to the definitive one, in 1978.

The Holy Stairs

In the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona there is the Holy Stairs, which Jesus walked on on the day of the scourging. Precisely for this reason the faithful must honor it with respect for tradition and the crucifixion (the ascent takes place on one’s knees), to celebrate the passion of Christ.

On the sides are painted the scenes of the Lord’s passion that lead the faithful to prayer and meditation.

Once inside, you feel enveloped in a feeling of peace and devotion, typical of these remote places.

In addition to the Scala Santa, the ex voto tablets are worth seeing: 160 small works representing the graces performed by the Madonna della Corona. Also inside the sanctuary there are statues in white marble, made by the sculptor Ugo Zannoni.

Its importance was made even more evident by the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1988 and by the consequent recognition of a Minor Basilica. Near the sanctuary there is a bar to ensure a refreshment point for the faithful and tourists, a need that can no longer be postponed due to the continuous influx of people.

The surroundings of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona: Bardolino

In addition to the beautiful Verona, there are some of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda waiting for you. Among these, one cannot fail to mention Bardolino. Once you arrive, start exploring the historic center by focusing on the details.

The houses were inhabited by fishermen and their location followed the pattern of the fishbone, to facilitate the transport of boats right in front of the place of residence. A choice dictated by the need to secure the means that allowed the sustenance of the entire family.

There are various points of interest not to be missed in Bardolino, starting with the Church of San Zeno or that of San Severo or its beautiful castle.

If you want to know the product par excellence of this small town on the lake, Bardolino Doc wine, I suggest you stroll through its vineyards.

A path born in March 2020 that presents eighteen paths between vineyards and wineries in the area, which can be traveled by bike or on foot. To decide the route and avoid getting lost, I am sure you will be happy to know that there is an application from the Veneto region, Veneto outdoor, where you will find all the details.

Typical dishes of Bardolino

As for the typical dishes of Bardolino, one cannot fail to mention the delicious lake fish and, in particular, the risotto with Tench or eel, prepared on the grill in most cases.

The surroundings of Lake Garda, as well as its own villages, are a heritage of inestimable value, both from a historical and landscape point of view.