Monte Berico

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Monte Berico

Monte Berico from the Piazzale della Vittoria.
Basic information
Location Vicenza, Italy
Religious affiliation Roman Catholic
Year consecrated 1435
Ecclesiastical status Minor basilica (1904)
Website monteberico.it
Architectural description
Architect(s) Orazio Marinali
Nicolò da Venezia
Carlo Borrello
Giacomo Bragadin
Architectural type Church
Year completed 1430
Specifications
Capacity 1,500 +
Materials Stone and marble

The church of Monte Berico is a basilica that stands at the top of a hill which overlooks the city of Vicenza, in the Veneto.

Contents

[edit] Origins

It is said that the Madonna, (Blessed Virgin) appeared on this hill twice: the first time occurred on March 7, 1426; and the second on August 1, 1428.

At this time in the Veneto, the people and economy had been suffering from a terrible plague for years. The Madonna promised that if the people of Vicenza built a church on the top of the hill she would rid them of the plague. The people of the Veneto kept their promise and the church was built in 3 months.

The original church later became a sanctuary. It was projected by the architect Carlo Borrello (1688) and was decorated by the sculptor Orazio Marinali from Bassano The city of Vicenza ordered an inquiry through the Notary Publics a to look into these two exceptional events. The inquiry followed through during November, 1430. The court recordings are still preserved today in the city library, 'Biblioteca Civica Bertoliana'.

The first religious services of the basilica were given to the Order of Saint Brigid by the city on November 2, 1429. At the end of May, 1435, the friars of Saint Brigid were ordered to leave the basilica by order of Pope Eugene IV on March 18, 1435, and were ordered to return to their original way of life of their order's foundation.

The Vicenza city magistry was given the rights to Monte Berico. They then proceeded to cede the church and convent to the Servants of Mary on May 31, 1435. The next day, the bishop of Vicenza, Francesco Malipiero, gave the chapel the name that still exists today.

[edit] The 'Piazzale della Vittoria'

Named 'Piazzale della Vittoria', this square in front of the basilica was dedicated September 23, 1924, lies at the front of the northern facade and show a full view of the city of Vicenza. A vast circular cement railing circles around this large open balcony, which looks out over the city.

On the top of the railings there are markers that point out the well-known cities and panoramic views. One of the best known views is Monte Grappa. Some other sites that can be viewed are the foothills of the Alps (Dolomites), along with the Lessini hills, Venetian Lagoon, Mount Pasubio, Piave River, and many other sites in the Veneto.

[edit] The Madonna

The statue of the Madonna (the Virgin Mary) was sculpted by Nicolò da Venezia in 1430, two years after the second apparition to the Italian Peasant Vincenza Pasini.

[edit] Restoration

The original basilica has been restored repeatedly during the centuries, sometimes with famous architects such as Palladio, Piovene and Miglioranza. All these changes are still visible today.

[edit] Notable architecture

Aside from the stature of the Madonna, there are little stairs constructed in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1595, ordered by Giacomo Bragadin, a leading figure of the Most Serene Republic (of Venice) in Vicenza. The stairway terminates in a small open clearing halfway up the hill where there is a view of the city below.

This walkway currently connects the city with the Sanctuary of the Madonna. These stairs were designed and built by Francesco Muttoni on March 7, 1746. The total length of the stairs is around 700 meters, consisting of 150 arches, grouped in tens. Each group is divided to symbolize the 15 mysteries and the 150 Hail Marys in the rosary.

[edit] External links