Pontifical basilica of the Holy House of Loreto
Pontifical basilica of the Holy House of Loreto, Minor basilica in Loreto, Italy
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Loreto).
The Marche region in central Italy stretches between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. This collection brings together places that let you explore the area: towns of art like Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, natural parks in the mountains, underground caves at Frasassi, seaside resorts along the coast,...
Hotel House
5.1 km
National monument of Marche "ai Vittoriosi"
5.6 km
Castello Svevo
4.2 km
Castelfidardo international accordion museum of Castelfidardo
5.8 km
Apostolic Palace
160 m
Museo pontificio della Santa Casa
104 m
Chiesa di Santo Stefano
5.9 km
Sant'Agostino, Recanati
6.5 km
Campanile Vanvitelliano
61 m
Fontana della Madonna
101 m
Chiesa della Madonna della Consolazione
5.2 km
Selva di Castelfidardo
3.6 km
Villa Pace
5.6 km
Walls of Loreto
396 m
Chiesa della Banderuola, Porto Recanati
1.9 km
San Vito, Recanati
6.5 km
Spiaggia Libera con accesso consentito per animali domestici
3.8 km
Castello Svevo
4.2 km
Palazzo Comunale
4.5 km
Chiesa della Madonna di Loreto
2.2 km
Monumento “L'uomo e l'infinito”
4.2 km
Sepulchral monument of cardinal Bonaccorso Buonaccorsi
0 m
Palazzo comunale
6.5 km
Complesso di Sant'Agostino
6.5 km
Mura e bastioni sforzeschi
6.4 km
Palazzo Municipale
5.8 km
Porta San Filippo
6.5 km
Palazzo Venieri
6.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes