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Santuario di Vicoforte: A Piedmontese Masterpiece

Discover the Santuario di Vicoforte: Home to the world's largest elliptical dome and stunning Baroque art in the heart of Piedmont, Italy.

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The Santuario di Vicoforte, near Mondovì, is a stunning basilica famous for its colossal elliptical dome, the largest in the world. Adorned with over 6,000 square meters of frescoes, it's a breathtaking testament to Baroque architecture and artistic achievement.

A brief summary to Santuario di Vicoforte, “Magnificat” - Salita e visita guidata Kalatà

  • Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to climb to the top of the dome. The ascent involves a number of steps.
  • Book your visit in advance, especially if you want to take the 'Magnificat' tour to climb the dome.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the sanctuary. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Check the official website for updated opening hours and tour schedules, as they may vary.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Mondovì, take a Granda Bus line 038, 058, 100, 202, or 164. The bus trip takes around 15 minutes. Get off at the Santuario - Viale Marconi or Vicoforte - Santuario - Via Nazionale stop, both a short walk to the entrance. A single bus ticket costs around €1-€3.

  • Walking

    From the center of Vicoforte, the Sanctuary is easily accessible on foot, just follow the main road, Piazza Carlo Emanuele I, to the Sanctuary. The walk is short and offers views of the surrounding area.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Mondovì. A ride from Mondovì to the Santuario di Vicoforte typically costs between €15-€25 and takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Driving

    The Santuario di Vicoforte is located on the Statale 28 (Torino-Imperia). From the A6 highway, exit at Mondovì if coming from Turin or Niella Tanaro if coming from Savona. Parking is available near the sanctuary, with hourly rates around €1-€2 and daily rates around €5-€8.

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Discover more about Santuario di Vicoforte, “Magnificat” - Salita e visita guidata Kalatà

The Santuario di Vicoforte, also known as the Basilica of the Nativity of Maria Santissima, is a monumental church located in Vicoforte, Piedmont, Italy. Its origins trace back to a small medieval shrine with a 15th-century fresco of the Madonna and Child. Legend says that in 1592, a hunter accidentally struck the image, and it began to bleed, leading to increased devotion and pilgrimage. In 1596, Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy commissioned Ascanio Vitozzi to construct a grand sanctuary, envisioning it as a pantheon for the House of Savoy. Vitozzi's design reflected the Mannerist style, but construction halted in 1630 due to the Duke's death and lack of funding. Work resumed in the 18th century under Francesco Gallo, who ingeniously built the massive elliptical dome, a remarkable feat of engineering. The dome has major and minor diameters of 36 and 25 meters respectively. Gallo had to dismantle the scaffolding himself, as others doubted its stability. The interior boasts over 6,000 square meters of frescoes completed in 1752 by Mattia Bortoloni and Felice Biella, depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The sanctuary attained its current form in 1884 with the addition of bell towers and facades. Inside, a small marble temple enshrines the original pillar with the image of the Madonna. Today, the sanctuary is not only a place of worship but also a historical and artistic landmark, drawing visitors with its stunning architecture, rich history, and panoramic views. Visitors can explore the church and climb to the top of the dome to admire the frescoes and the surrounding landscape.

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