Santuario di Maria Santissima del Buoncammino

The Santuario di Maria Santissima del Buoncammino is a church with a Greek cross floor plan, featuring two notable paintings of the Madonna and decorative sculptures inside. The sanctuary complex also includes a nursing home and care facility for elderly residents in an adjoining building.

The sanctuary was founded in 1747 by Canon Giambattista de Nicolai, who built a small chapel with a Greek cross shape next to an already existing shrine. This expansion of an older pilgrimage site helped establish it as an important religious center in Altamura.

The Madonna del Buoncammino holds deep meaning for locals as a protector of travelers and daily journeys. Car windshields throughout Altamura display small stickers showing her image as a sign of this devotion.

The church is centrally located in Altamura and easily reached on foot, with adequate space to enter and explore inside. Visitors should dress respectfully and honor the quiet atmosphere during prayer times.

The sanctuary houses a remarkable papier-mache statue of the Madonna commissioned from Lecce that is carried through the streets during religious processions. This sculpture plays an important role in local religious celebrations and is maintained with great care.

Location: Altamura

Inception: June 9, 1747

GPS coordinates: 40.84892,16.56587

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40