The Santuario di Madonna di Rosa is a church in San Vito al Tagliamento in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. The church is often visited by pilgrims, who come to see a sacred statue of the Madonna.
Madonna di Rosa Sanctuary in San Vito al Tagliamento
Useful information
The address of the is Piazzale Santuario, 3 – 33078 San Vito al Tagliamento (tel. +39 043480215). Opening hours: Unknown. Entrance fee: Free. (Note that prices and times may be subject to change.)
History and description
The current church was reconstructed after the original version was destroyed during bombing raids in World War II. The statue of the Virgin Mary was found undamaged among the debris.
The Santuario di Madonna di Rosa houses a sacred image of the Virgin. According to tradition, the Virgin herself is said to have appeared to a young girl from the frazione (“suburb”) Rosa, in 1655. This happened at a time when the village was ravaged by floods and plague epidemics. The girl, who was epileptic and could hardly speak normally, recounted that the virgin instructed her to tell her father to take the effigy to a church and for the people of the village to stop swearing, otherwise the plagues afflicting them would worsen. The painting was taken to the San Nicolò extra muros Church and soon the miracles started occurring.
This church dates from the late 13th century and was rebuilt in 1482. 150 years after the appearance of the Madonna, it was decided to build a new church, but it was not finally completed until 1860.
What to see
The round bell tower was built by Pietro Saccardo and dates from the early 20th century. The statues in the niches at the level of the bells themselves depict St Joseph, St Peter, St Paul and the Saviour.
The famous effigy of the Madonna and Child was painted by Marco Tiussi around the middle of the 16th century.
The interior of the church is further graced by mosaics and modern sculptures.
Santuario di Madonna di Rosa, San Vito al Tagliamento
Map