Gigantic basilica in the small village: a miracle of the baroque!

Gigantic basilica in the small village: a miracle of the baroque!

Vicofoforte, a tranquil community in the northern Italian province of Cuneo, has made a name for itself due to an extraordinary landmark: the basilica Santuario Regina Montis Ruleis. This monumental church, kept in a magnificent baroque style, is not only the main feature of the small village, but also an important architectural and cultural heritage in Italy. The basilica houses the largest elliptical dome in the world with an impressive height of 75 meters and a diameter of 35 meters.

The construction of the basilica can be attributed to the Savoyer dynasty, which initiated the construction of the sanctuary in the late 16th century. Previously, there was a modest medieval shrine at this point, which housed a fresco from the 15th century that represents the Madonna with a child. A decisive event in the history of the rock sanctuary occurred around 1590 when a hunter met the picture of the Virgin Mary during a shooting game, which was supposed to be bleeding. This miracle story made a significant contribution to the location of the center of pilgrimage.

meaning of the basilica

The basilica was declared the Italian national monument in 1880 and received in 1935 by Pope Pius XI. The title "Basilica Minor". The ceiling paintings that deal with the topic of redemption were completed in 1748 by the artists Mattia Bortoloni and Felice Biella and extend over more than 6,000 square meters. Visitors have the opportunity to look at these works of art from a height of up to 60 meters.

The construction of the basilica continued in the 18th century under the direction of the architect Francesco Gallo, who built the distinctive dome. Gallo had to remove the scaffolding itself to prove that the structure could stand independently because many people doubt their stability. The construction finally received its current form in 1884 with the completion of the Campanili and the three facades.

pilgrimage and royal resting place

In addition to its architectural splendor, the basilica has played a central role in the life of the Italian monarchy. On December 15, 2017, Queen Elena's remains secretly transferred from Montpellier, France, to the San Bernardo chapel in the sanctuary. Just two days later, the remains of King Vittorio Emanuele III. Her way out of the St. Catherine’s Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt, and were buried next to the former queen.

The basilica Santuario Regina Monti's shelf remains an important attraction for tourists and pilgrims who want to experience the cultural and historical aspects of this amazing building. The combination of faith, history and impressive architecture makes Vicoforte and its basilica a unique goal in Italy.

Important information about the basilica:

• height of the dome: 75 meters
• diameter of the dome: 35 meters
• area of ​​the ceiling paintings: over 6000 square meters
• year of the explanation of the national monument: 1880
• consecration for the "Basilica Minor": 1935