Why a gigantic basilica stands in a small Italian village

a large church between houses — In the small Italian village of Vicoforte stands the monumental Basilica Santuario Regina Montis Regalis. photo by www.reisereporter.de

opulent interior of a church — The interior of the church is designed in opulent Baroque style. photo by www.reisereporter.de

A small Italian village in Piedmont with only 3,000 people and a church. One would expect it to be small and simple. But the opposite is true: In Vicoforte, Italy, stands a gigantic basilica that holds a major world record.

A few hills, a few houses-there's nothing particularly special in and around Vicoforte. But the view of the Basilica Santuario Regina Montis Regalis changes everything. Opulent, more opulent, most opulent-that seems to be the motto of the pilgrimage church. From the outside already. And even more so inside.

A domed roof in mist between trees and houses — There is no larger elliptical dome in the world than that of the basilica in Vicoforte. photo by www.reisereporter.de

Motto number two: big, bigger, biggest. Because the basilica in tiny Vicoforte houses the largest elliptical dome in the world. We wonder: How large must a dome be to be considered the largest in the world? 75 meters high. With a diameter of 35 meters.

That this church stands in strictly Catholic Italy is hardly surprising. But: One would rather expect it in Rome. Or, due to its Baroque appearance, in Florence.

Yet the Basilica Santuario Regina Montis Regalis, with its giant dome, stands in Vicoforte. And the reason for this is: It was built as a pilgrimage church for the veneration of the Virgin Mary.

The image of Mary began to bleed

a large church — Even though it's in the middle of nowhere, the Basilica Santuario Regina Montis Regalis is considered a national monument of Italy. photo by www.reisereporter.de

That is a very long time ago. As early as the 16th century, a small sacramental column with an icon of Mary stood at the same site in Vicoforte. The local population venerated this icon. And then a miracle is said to have happened. According to legend, a hunter accidentally shot the image of the Virgin Mary. And it began to bleed.

This event subsequently made the place a destination for pilgrims and prompted the rulers of the time to build the basilica. The Savoy dynasty later transformed the small pilgrimage church into the monumental building we see today.

6,000-square-meter ceiling paintings

an elliptical dome inside with many paintings — The magnificent ceiling paintings cover a total of 6,000 square meters. photo by www.reisereporter.de

Painters Mattia Bortoloni and Felice Biella completed their ceiling paintings in the basilica in 1748. And on over 6,000 square meters. Their theme: redemption. Those who want to take a very close look at these frescoes can climb up to 60 meters, equipped with a climbing harness and helmet. A holy adventure, so to speak.

And as if the basilica alone were not impressive enough, it is nestled in an expansive complex. A picture-perfect place, manicured gardens, bubbling fountains, a monastery-an area dedicated not only to faith but also to beauty.

By the way: The Basilica Santuario Regina Montis Regalis's significance is evident in several events: In 1880, the church was declared an Italian national monument. And in 1935, Pope Pius XI consecrated the Regina Montis Regalis as a 'minor basilica'.

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