Nostra Signora Porta Paradisi, Neoclassical shrine and church in Asti, Italy
Nostra Signora Porta Paradisi is a neoclassical church in Asti with three naves, two large side chapels, and a 41-meter dome topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Below the main sanctuary lies a crypt containing smaller chapels depicting religious scenes.
The building was designed by architect Giuseppe Gualandi in 1902 using stones from an ancient city wall that once belonged to the village of San Marco. This construction merges the heritage of different periods into one structure.
The building holds artwork showing how the Virgin Mary has been honored across different periods. People come here to participate in rituals that connect them to their community's spiritual heritage.
The church holds winter liturgical celebrations in its crypt, which is open to visitors. The site is easy to explore on foot, with main entrances clearly marked.
A stone marker on the rear staircase indicates where a reported miraculous event is said to have taken place along an old pathway. This detail connects the building's physical structure to local stories passed down through generations.
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