description Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii Overview
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii, formally known as the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, is a major Catholic basilica located in modern Pompeii, Italy. Constructed in the late 19th century under the guidance of Blessed Bartolo Longo, the sanctuary was built to house a restored 16th-century painting of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. The massive brick and stone structure features a prominent cross-shaped layout and a central dome flanked by an expansive courtyard. It operates as a global center for the devotion of the Holy Rosary and attracts millions of Catholic pilgrims annually.
help Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii FAQ
Is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii inside the ancient Pompeii ruins?
No. The sanctuary stands in the modern city of Pompei, near but separate from the archaeological site buried by Vesuvius in AD 79.
Who founded the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii?
Bartolo Longo promoted the shrine and began raising funds for it in the nineteenth century. Construction started in 1876, and Pope Leo XIII declared it a pontifical basilica in 1901.
What image is venerated at the Pompeii sanctuary?
The shrine centers on an image of Our Lady of the Rosary with the Christ Child, Saint Dominic, and Saint Catherine of Siena. Bartolo Longo brought the painting to the Pompeii valley in 1875.
Can visitors go up the sanctuary's bell tower?
The 88-meter bell tower has a lift leading toward its panoramic level when visitor access is available. From it, visitors can see modern Pompei, the archaeological area, Vesuvius, and the Gulf of Naples.
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