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BLOG, DESTINATIONS, EUROPE, ITALY · February 17, 2020

Santuario Madonna Della Corona: How to Get There & Best Photography Spots


Santuario Madonna Della Corona_Watermark-1

“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.

Santuario Madonna Della Corona From Bottom Steps

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. 

Santuario Madonna Della Corona Cliff Side-1
  • Walking Path from Spiazzi

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. 

  • Shuttle Bus from Spiazzi

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.

Santuario Madonna Della Corona Kaitlyn
Santuario Madonna Della Corona Dave

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.
Santuario Madonna Della Corona K&D

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. 

Sunset_Castel_San_Pietro_Verona
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. 

Road_Trip_to_Lake_Garda
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! 

Santuario Madonna della Corona Pinterest 3
Santuario Madonna della Corona Pinterest 2
Santuario Madonna della Corona Pinterest 1

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It is known as one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. So does it live up to the hype? Is it worth the 7 hour ride? 

To me, yes, yes, 100% yes. Especially when tickets can be less than $5 USD…After reading tons of guides & then experiencing the train myself, a few tips for your trip:

🎟️ Buy reserved tickets in advance. This will help ensure you have a seat & don’t have to elbow your way for one. You can do so online or at the train station. Online tickets go on sale a month before and sell out quickly! If you buy from the train station, go a day or two in advance of your desired trip date.
⏰ Try to avoid weekends. This is a very very busy train for locals & tourists alike. Book the blue Express train, otherwise this journey will take even longer than 7 hours lol. 
🚂 Choose seats in 2nd or 3rd class, ideally next to a window. In these classes they have open windows & doors where you can get the full experience (& views) to peak out of. If you choose to hang your body, arm, leg, etc out of the train, you do so at your own risk! Don’t be dumb…
📸 Best views are on the right side of the train up to Nanu Oya. After that, best views are on the left side. Aka views are amazing on both sides! You can also move freely around the carriage, so don’t stress it. 

Last tip, enjoy!!! Take it all in. With your eyes, not just your phone & camera 😏. This is by far the best train ride I’ve experienced to date.
Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. 

The train ride is around 7 hours total - zipping past swirling green tea hills, tiny rural towns, rushing waterfalls & colorful stations. 

7 hours might sound like a lot, but I can honestly say, I never found myself bored. Quite the opposite! I was glued to the window (or open doorway 🫠) for fear of missing a single moment. 

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All aboard… The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri All aboard…

The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka! This 7 hour train journey transports you from the chaotic city streets of Kandy to the misty mountain tops of Ella. 

It is known as one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. So does it live up to the hype? Is it worth the 7 hour ride? 

To me, yes, yes, 100% yes. Especially when tickets can be less than $5 USD…After reading tons of guides & then experiencing the train myself, a few tips for your trip:

🎟️ Buy reserved tickets in advance. This will help ensure you have a seat & don’t have to elbow your way for one. You can do so online or at the train station. Online tickets go on sale a month before and sell out quickly! If you buy from the train station, go a day or two in advance of your desired trip date.
⏰ Try to avoid weekends. This is a very very busy train for locals & tourists alike. Book the blue Express train, otherwise this journey will take even longer than 7 hours lol. 
🚂 Choose seats in 2nd or 3rd class, ideally next to a window. In these classes they have open windows & doors where you can get the full experience (& views) to peak out of. If you choose to hang your body, arm, leg, etc out of the train, you do so at your own risk! Don’t be dumb…
📸 Best views are on the right side of the train up to Nanu Oya. After that, best views are on the left side. Aka views are amazing on both sides! You can also move freely around the carriage, so don’t stress it. 

Last tip, enjoy!!! Take it all in. With your eyes, not just your phone & camera 😏. This is by far the best train ride I’ve experienced to date.
Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. 

The train ride is around 7 hours total - zipping past swirling green tea hills, tiny rural towns, rushing waterfalls & colorful stations. 

7 hours might sound like a lot, but I can honestly say, I never found myself bored. Quite the opposite! I was glued to the window (or open doorway 🫠) for fear of missing a single moment. 

As you might have noticed, this train has open windows & doorways that passengers can peak out of. Would you (safely!) give it a try?
If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add the Square Peg Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka to your bucket list! 

Potted plants overflow from the hotel’s windows and walls, intertwining with trees along its edges, giving the hotel a captivating, post-apocalyptic charm. In the best way..

Square Peg offers a calm oasis overlooking the rowdy city of Kandy just below. The views & this property exceeded our expectations in every way! 🌿
Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal part Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal parts chaotic, vibrant & sacred. A city full of competing sounds - cawing crows, bleating tuk tuks, thrumming drums & whining brass horns. A city I had low expectations for, but left wishing I had more time. 

We stopped over in Kandy to take the famous Kandy to Ella train (more on this later!) & were glad to have some time to explore the city, albeit short. Here’s a mini 24 hour guide to Kandy:

DO // At the center of the city is Kandy Lake. Leisurely wander through town taking in the sights along the way. Next to the lake is the Kandyan Cultural Center where you can experience a traditional Kandyan dance performance. After the performance, head next door to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. 

STAY // The Square Peg Hotel was an oasis overlooking the city. In addition to the incredible views, they also have a gorgeous rooftop where they serve traditional curries in the evening & Sri Lankan breakfast in the morning.
This time last year Dave surprised me with an over This time last year Dave surprised me with an overnight trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and it’s still one of my favorite weekend trips we’ve done while living in San Diego. Here’s a mini guide and some inspo to make the trip! 

GETTING THERE // The park is a super easy and very scenic 2 hour drive from San Diego. Stop in Julian on your way for a slice of their famous apple pie and a trip seemingly back in time. 

STAY // @bungalowsofthedesert_ offer adorable vintage trailers with everything you need to be comfortable (think firewood, gas stove, & tea kettle) yet still get the benefits of camping (think dark starry nights & no neighbors for miles). 

SEE // Font’s Point at sunset is a can’t miss with views across the badlands that i imagine are akin to Mars. Check out my latest reel for a few tips on how to get there.

Awin

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