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" data-image-caption="Loreto – Basilica and Square
" data-medium-file="/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_6629.jpg?w=225" data-large-file="/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_6629.jpg?w=716" tabindex="0" role="button" width="716" height="954" data-id="26897" src="/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_6629.jpg" class="wp-image-26897" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_6629.jpg 716w, /wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_6629.jpg?w=113&h=150 113w, /wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_6629.jpg?w=225&h=300 225w" sizes="(max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px">BASILICA – inside the vast ‘Santuario della Santa Casa’ there is a wide, welcoming aisle leading pilgrims towards the ‘holy house’. The ‘holy house’ is entombed in a sculptural cacophony of cherubs and prophets, garlands and wreaths. It is a neo-classical confection of white Istrian stone that includes every Greek and Roman architectural element known to the stonemasons of the 16th century. The architects Sansovino and Bramante are both associated with this monumental tomb-like sculpture. It’s almost like a mausoleum for a house! My favourite scenes feature the angels laboriously carrying the house through the sky and then carefully setting it down on the Italian hillside of Loreto. Pilgrims wait patiently to be allowed access inside the stone edifice, which reveals a stark contrast. The ‘holy house’ within is dark brick, dimly lit and very simple. The walls are bare brick, the floor feels like dry earth (although it probably isn’t).
Visiting Loreto on a Sunday is an absolute joy. Even on the hottest summer day the air is much cooler on the hillside. The views to the Adriatic are spectacular. There’s almost always a group of pilgrims, a handful of nuns and a small group of monks making their way to the church. Regardless of your religious beliefs it’s impossible not to feel the spirituality in the air – it’s almost palpable.
Notes:
The artist Lorenzo Lotto spent the last years of his life in Loreto – he had an amazing career – you can read more about him here: Lorenzo Lotto – artist
I’ve also written various articles about saints in recent months including:
To join me on one of my unique journeys in Italy check out www.grand-tourist.com my web site to see what’s coming up next. We are currently working on:
Happy reading and even happier travelling!!
Updated: 7th December, 2021
Now I’ve got to put Loreto on my ‘places to visit on next trip to Italy’. I shall never fit them all in. Thanks for bringing this lovely place to my attention.
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Loreto is very special!
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Fascinating story–and new to me. Thank you for bringing us these gems, Janet!
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Thank you Mary Lou x
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Many thanks, Janet – up to your usual very high standard, and extremely interesting and informative. Loved the video, too! Congratulations and thanks all round!
John
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