Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Sorrows, Rho

The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Sorrows is a baroque basilica in Rho with marble walls and ornate decorations designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi in the 16th century. Inside, several chapels display frescoes painted by artists including Camillo Procaccini and Andrea Lanzani.

The basilica was founded after reports of a crying Madonna icon in 1583, which prompted Carlo Borromeo to initiate construction beginning in 1584. Over time, it grew into an important religious site for the surrounding area.

The sanctuary follows the Ambrosian Rite of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milan, which shapes how services are conducted here. You can experience liturgical traditions that remain specific to this region and its religious identity.

The sanctuary sits near the historic center of Rho and is easy to access on foot. The interior layout allows visitors to move freely through the chapels and view the space at their own pace.

The neoclassical facade was added after the Napoleonic wars in 1810 with the patronage of two wealthy women. This later addition creates an interesting contrast between the exterior and the baroque interior.

Location: Rho

Inception: 1584

Architects: Pellegrino Tibaldi

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 45.53295,9.03885

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04