There are several spiritual places in Italy and certainly Loreto is among the most important. A place of worship where religion and beauty come together creating something unique, an almost mystical atmosphere.

Every year millions of pilgrims from all over the world visit Loreto to see live the Holy House of Nazareth, the original home of Mary that has been hosted here for more than seven centuries.

Holy House of Nazareth

Santa Casa, Basilica della Santa Casa

The most precious jewel of Loreto and its Sanctuary is the House of Nazareth: the Madonna’s earthly dwelling is kept right here!

In 1291, according to tradition, some angels flew the Holy House from Palestine to Illyria in the territory of present-day Croatia. After three years it was moved permanently to Loreto.

Although the story may appear as a legend, there are some facts, scientifically proven, that confirm the story of the House of Mary of Nazareth.

The walls that make up the Holy House of Nazareth are of a particular stone, not found in the Marche, worked with ancient Middle Eastern techniques, while the graffiti that you see can be traced back to Judeo-Christian culture (similar ones were found in Nazareth). Of original there are only three walls three meters high, without foundations, resting directly on the ground. The roof and the vault were added in fact towards the middle of the sixteenth century.

In addition to the original walls you can admire the statue of the Virgin Lauretana from 1922, proclaimed by Benedict XV universal patron of all travelers and aviators.

The House of Mary is enclosed in a monumental marble building designed by Bramante with the contribution of Andrea Sansovino and Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. This consists of columns with Corinthian capitals holding a cornice and several statues.

Sanctuary of Loreto and Scala Santa

The Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto is located on a hill at 127 s.l.m. and overlooks Piazza della Madonna.

A rare example of a fortress basilica, it was built in Gothic-Renaissance style in 1469 with the contribution of important artists, including Donato Bramante and Vanvitelli to preserve a precious jewel: the walls of the Holy House of Mary of Nazareth.

Outside you can see the beautiful bronze doors forged in 1600 in the foundry of Recanati and the bell tower by Vanvitelli. Inside, in addition to the House of Nazareth and the statue of Our Lady of Loreto, you can admire 13 apse chapels, the dome decorated with frescoes by Cesare Maccari and the monument dedicated to Pope Sixtus V, by Antonio Calcagni.

Piazza della Madonna and the "Madonnari"

Piazza della Madonna

The Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto overlooks Piazza della Madonna, the main square of the city where there are all the most important buildings.

In the center stands the elegant Fontana Maggiore by Carlo Maderno and Giovanni Fontana (1604-14), on which were placed the bronze sculptures made by the brothers Giacometti.

Also in the square you can see the Palazzo Illirico and, on a small staircase that precedes the facade of the basilica, the bronze statue of Sixtus V blessing.

Fontana Maggiore, Piazza della Madonna 

Behind the fountain stands the Apostolic Palace with the characteristic "L" shape (missing an arm that has never been made). The palace is of the end of the fifteenth century and is spread over two orders, namely the portico in Doric order and the loggia of the Ionic order.

This is part of the complex of the basilica-sanctuary and houses the Pontifical Museum of the Holy House.

The Madonnari

Madonnari, Piazza della Madonna

Once in Piazza della Madonna you can admire, among other things, the works of the "madonnari", street artists who reproduce some of the most beautiful and significant religious paintings, using colored chalks.

Aeronautical History Museum

Among the things to see in Loreto there is a Historical Aeronautical Museum dedicated to aeronautics, inevitable in the city of the Madonna protector of aviators.

The museum houses a unique collection of hundreds of original pieces, donated or purchased, that tell the birth of the Regia Aeronautica to date. A succession of suits, uniforms, equipment and much more will accompany you in this beautiful world.

For more information on what to visit please visit: Loreto Turismo