Pontifical basilica of the Holy House of Loreto, Minor basilica in Loreto, Italy
The Pontifical basilica of the Holy House of Loreto is a pilgrimage church and cathedral in the small town of Loreto, in the Marche region. The building features a Renaissance main body clad in white marble, with a large dome rising over the center and a bell tower reaching around 75 meters (245 feet) in height.
Construction of the church started in 1468 under Pope Paul II, who launched the project in response to the growing number of pilgrims. Renowned architects such as Bramante, Vanvitelli and Sangallo contributed to expansions and renovations over the centuries.
The name Loreto comes from the Latin word Lauretum, meaning laurel grove, recalling the trees that once covered this area. Pilgrims from around the world come here to pray before the revered statue of the Madonna, housed in a small chapel inside the church.
The church opens early in the morning and closes in the evening every day, allowing visitors to enter throughout the day. Several masses take place during the day, including some held in foreign languages for international pilgrims.
Three ancient stone walls inside are believed to come from the original house of the Virgin Mary in Nazareth. Legends say that angels carried these walls through the air across Croatia to Loreto in the 13th century, though historical research points to transport by ship.
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