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View from the cliff on a sunny day (Shelbie Goulding-Morin)
Northern Italy’s Italian Alps offer plenty of trails that offer challenging and mindfulness experiences, but there is one place that truly takes you on a journey for both the body and soul. An adventure for those searching for breathtaking views and spiritual awakening.
Plan your next Sunday hike along the rocky cliffs of the Veneto Region’s Monte Baldo, where many define this hidden gem to be a place where Heaven and Earth meet at Santuario Madonna della Corona (Sanctuary of the Lady of the Crown).
Located in Spiazzi, Italy – east of Lake Garda and north of Verona – Madonna della Corona is more than a cliffside sanctuary. It is a chance to witness a phenomenon where nature-meets-architectural beauty in person. The sanctuary truly does portray itself as a focal point, where Heaven and Earth meet: a balance of nature and creation.
Its history dates back as far as 1000 CE, with humble beginnings of traditions and legends arising amid the 13th century that continue to be shared in its history today. A local favorite legend is that of the Madonna sculpture that arrived in 1522. It is this date that many natives of the land consider the beginning of the shrine that stands today for the Lady of the Crown.
Jumping back into the 21st century, the path to Madonna della Corona is more accessible than ever, though still a trek. A popular starting point by car is from the town Spiazzi, where there is limited parking availability. From here, goers can trek down to the cliff using many, many stairs. There is also a shuttle bus that runs down the hill every 30 minutes for less than 5 euros.
Although it is a destination for many seeking prayer and peace, the area sees tourists daily. Entrance into the church is free, but many are asked to be mindful as mass occurs daily and different hours of the day. The church mass is open to all visitors who practice Catholicism.
Something to keep in mind: this is a holy place. You must cover up. Dress modestly and do not wear shorts or skirts above the knee if you wish to enter the church.
Several buildings on the side of a mountain (Shelbie Goulding-Morin)
This is an adventure that can be spent overnight in Verona or Lake Garda, or for those looking for a day trip close by, Spiazzi is an hour and 20 minutes from Vicenza and two and a half hours from Aviano.
For avid hikers, there are many trails in the area worth exploring. A popular and challenging hike that many endure is by taking the Sentiero della Speranza (Path of Hope) trail. It begins in the town of Brentino Belluno and takes on a climb of about 600 meters (less than 2,000 feet) to the sanctuary.
There are also other trails worth exploring in the area to hikers of different skills. This writer highly recommends visitors take a stroll down the trails below to encounter an angelic experience. Thanks to modern technology, speakers echo from the church into the valley below where hikers are blessed with the serene sound of the church choir, creating a peaceful sensation on top of nature’s tranquility.
For those not looking to take on too much incline, an amazing and brief hike that is easily accessible from the town of Spiazzi is Via Crucis. A miraculous site beginning at the top of the cliff, above Madonna della Corona, visitors can walk the 14 artistical bronze sculptures of the Stations of the Cross. The sculptures were a nice surprise and beautifully capture Christ and the events on his Crucifixion and lead to the shrine of the Lady of the Crown.
There is a lot offered at Madonna della Corona. Whether looking for a spiritual awakening or amazing views, this is the perfect place to get both experience in Northern Italy.
Learn more about the sanctuary and its history by visiting the Madonna della Corona website at www.madonnadellacorona.it.
Building on a side of the mountain (Shelbie Goulding-Morin)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
