Santa Maria del Fonte Sanctuary

Santa Maria del Fonte is a pilgrimage church in Caravaggio, a small town in Lombardy, recognized as an Italian national heritage site. The interior follows a Latin cross plan with a single nave, ionic capitals, and a dome rising above the central crossing.

Construction of the sanctuary began in 1575 under Archbishop Carlo Borromeo, after a first small chapel could no longer accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. Architect Pellegrino Tibaldi designed the building, whose works continued until the early 18th century.

The name refers to the spring that appeared during the Marian apparition and remains accessible in the underground chamber today. Pilgrims visit throughout the year, especially on the anniversary of the vision in late May, when processions and special masses take place.

The site sits on the edge of town and is reachable on foot from the center of Caravaggio in about twenty minutes. The spring is located in a separate underground room, which visitors reach by descending steps.

The sacristy preserves frescoes by Camillo Procaccini from the late 16th century, depicting scenes from the life of Mary. Giovanni Moriggia and Luigi Cavenaghi later created additional decorations in the main hall, reinforcing the baroque character of the building.

Location: Caravaggio

Inception: 1575

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Address: Viale Giovanni XXIII

Website: http://santuariodicaravaggio.it

GPS coordinates: 45.48122,9.63061

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26