“Church on Side of Mountain Italy”
Did you search something similar, trying to find what and where this picturesque church is? You are not alone. The sanctuary you are looking for is Santuario Madonna della Corona. It is an Italian church built into the side of a mountain, creating a wonderful collision between heaven and earth. It is not a myth, and it is even more beautiful than it sounds. Situated in Northern Italy, and within driving distance of Verona and Lake Garda, I highly suggest adding this to your itinerary if you are in the area.
How to Get to Santuario Madonna della Corona from Verona
The easiest way to reach Santuario Madonna della Corona from Verona is by car. There are train and bus options, but this requires multiple transfers and a bit more patience than we had time for. By car, there are two routes to reach this cliff-side church.
1. Access to Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona from Spiazzi
Spiazzi is a small mountain town located just above Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona. From Spiazzi, you can easily walk or take a shuttle bus to the sanctuary.
The drive from Verona to Spiazzi is a beautifully scenic one hour journey. You can park at Parcheggio Santuario Madonna della Corona, a free parking lot that is just a short distance to the walking paths and the shuttle.
If you are able, I highly suggest walking to the sanctuary. The path provides sweeping views of the valley below and the surrounding mountain peaks. The trek is not difficult, and it takes roughly 30 minutes to descend and reach the sanctuary. This will still allow for a leisurely pace and enough time to take in the jaw-dropping sights.
There is a clearly paved path leading from Spiazzi to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona. As you walk down, you will pass an alpaca farm on your left and a number bronze cast works by Raffaele Bonente along the way. As you near the church, there will be the option to reach the sanctuary with a set of steps or through a trail in the woods.
The shuttle departs every 30 minutes, but please note that it only operates June through October. Tickets are €1.80 one-way or €3.00 round trip. You can read more about the shuttle and book tickets here.
2. Access to Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona Via Pilgrim’s path or Path of Hope
From the town of Brentino Belluno, you can instead hike upwards to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona. We would have loved to take this route, but simply didn’t have the time. This used to be the only way to access the church, and I imagine the trail boasts some impressive views.
This hike is 2 hours in length, covering approximately 2,425 meters with 1,540 steps. From Verona, it is a 45 minute drive to Brentino Belluno. If you have ever done this hike, please let me know! I would love to hear how it compares to the walk from Spiazzi.
Best Time to Visit Santuario Madonna della Corona
The Sanctuary is open all year long: from November to March 8am-6pm and April to October 7am-7:30pm. You can double check opening times and holidays through the link here. We visited during winter, which offered beautifully crisp and clear conditions. I would also love to see the church in spring, when it is surrounded by a more lush, green forest.
Best Photo Ops of Santuario Madonna della Corona
The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is one of those places that pictures can never truly do justice. That being said, my favorite view and photographs of the sanctuary come from the wooded walking path on the way down from Spiazzi. Peaking through the trees, this also served as our first glimpse of the church which made it all the more special. From this path, you can best capture the almost uncanny, cliffside placement of the church.
As you approach the steps leading up to the church, you can also capture some great close-up shots. This is the best way to capture the incredible architecture and detail of the Santuario Madonna della Corona. Please be mindful that the sanctuary is still a cherished place of worship for many, so you should always be respectful. If you choose to enter the church, ensure your shoulders and feet are covered and refrain from taking photographs.
Places to Visit Near Santuario Madonna della Corona
While visiting the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, there are a few places along the way that are definitely worth the stop.
1. Verona
Verona is a great access point, as well as a wonderfully historic and charming city to visit. It can be accessed from the rest of Europe relatively easily by plane. If you are already in Italy, it is well-connected by train. If you do go, I’ve put together a post here on the Amazing Things to See & Do in Verona, Italy.
2. lago di garda
Lake Garda is a crystal-clear lake surrounded by spectacular mountains. It is only 1.5 hours drive from the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, and it is a famous holiday destination amongst Italians and Europeans. The lake is a perfect destination for swimming, sailing, hiking and mountain-biking. We stayed in the peaceful and naturally stunning town called Arco, located in the area of Trentino in Northern Italy. I can’t suggest this serene corner of Italy enough, especially in winter. If you make it, be sure to check out our Weekend Guide to Visiting Lake Garda, as well as 10 Awe-Inspiring Things to Do in Lake Garda while you’re there.
3. Monte baldo
The rocky mountain that Sanctuary Madonna della Corona is nestled into is Monte Baldo. It is roughly a 30-minute drive from the sanctuary to the cable car Malcesine Monte Baldo. This cable car provides 360-degree views of Lake Garda, Monte Baldo and the many Italian villages below. Be sure to check their website for openings and rates on passes when planning your trip.
Conclusion
Visiting Santuario Madonna della Corona will likely take you a bit out of your way, but I can confidently say that it is well worth the detour. Everything about it is striking. From the cliff-hanging hidden location, to the sun stained pink architecture against the dark grey mountain, it truly is a special place to witness. I hope you found these tips helpful. As always, let me know if you make it!
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