HE CHURCH OF MONTE BERICO is the most famous and visited sanctuary in Veneto.
THE ORIGINS
Between 1425 and 1428 Vicenza was stricken with a devastating plague. The story tells that Virgin Mary appeared twice to Vincenza Pasini, a humble peasant: the first one happened on 7th of March 1426; the second one on 1st of August 1428. The Virgin Mary used Vincenza as Her spokeswoman. She said that the only way to stop the plague was to build a church dedicated to Her.
She added that, whoever visited the church on holy occasions and every first Sunday of the months would receive Her blessing and grace.
Nobody believed Vincenza at the time of the first apparition; but the persistency of the plague led the population to trust the second one. As a consequence the workings started on 25th of August 1428; the plague was definitely defeated. The humble Vincenza died in 1433, at the age of 78.
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 original church has been often restored during the centuries, with the contribution of famous architects such as Palladio, Piovene and Miglioranza. All these changing are still visible nowadays.
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