Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona — Spiazzi

The Sanctuary in the Rock

The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona is one of the most spectacular pilgrimage sites in Italy, literally set into the vertical rocky wall of Mount Baldo at 774 meters above sea level, overlooking the Valdadige valley. The name “della Corona” derives from the crown of rocks that surrounds the sanctuary like a natural diadem.

History and Architecture

The origins date back to 1522, when a statue of the Madonna was brought here from Rhodes by the Knights of Saint John fleeing the Turks. The current church, rebuilt in 1975, is carved into the rock and is reached via a staircase of 1,540 steps from Brentino Belluno (or via a shorter route from Spiazzi). The climbing Stations of the Cross are dotted with life-size statues.

How to Get There

The easiest way is from Spiazzi (a hamlet of Ferrara di Monte Baldo), from where you descend on foot in 20 minutes. By car, Spiazzi is reached from Caprino Veronese. The route from Brentino Belluno (approximately 2 hours uphill) is more challenging but very scenic. Open year-round.