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The sanctuary of Monte Berico
The past and present of Monte Berico
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THE 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 CHURCH
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.
To visit the church call: Tel 0444 320998 fax 0444 326464
The painting of Gabriele Caliari "La Madonna e il Bambino, i santiTHE EX-VOTOS
Next to the Sanctuary is a museum containing more than 150 pictures representing religious themes: they form 6 centuries of ex-votos. The masterpiece "Nascita di Maria" (birth of Maria) deserves a particularly attention amoung the pictures of the 15th century, because it still preserves the traces of an ancient gilding. Close to it, there are some little paintings representing the story of the Virgin Mary’s apparition to Vincenza Pasini; the author seems to be Tonisi Senese, who painted also her portrait. Francesco e Marco, il capitanio di Vicenza Francesco Tiepolo e un altro gentiluomo", dates back to the 16th century. The pictures of Alessandro Maganza, Maffei and Carpioni are also very interesting. However, most of the ex-votos are anonymous and they are, therefore, part of that fascinating popular-art, which has always been very prolific.
LA CENA DI SAN GREGORIO MAGNO (Paolo Veronese)
Oil painting 8,78mX4,44m
Hanging on the rear wall of the ancient refectory "Servi di Maria", is the big picture of Paolo Veronese. It reproduces "La cena di San Gregorio Magno" (the Supper of San Gregorio Magno). It was probably ordered by Brother Damiano Grana, uncle of Paolo Veronese and prior at Santa Maria di Monte Berico between 1571 and 1573. The painting represents the moment in which Pope Gregory Magno, during the traditional supper organized for poor people, recognises Jesus Christ among them, at his right. In 1848, during the war, some Austrian soldiers destroyed this painting. It was reduced in 32 pieces, preserved by a young Brother, Ferdinando M. Mantovani. Four years later, in 1852, Alberto Tagliapietra reassembled these pieces. The restored picture was placed in the friary.
THE ARTISTIC PATRIMONY
Inside the sanctuary there are lots of interesting pictures. The statue representing the Virgin Mary was sculptured out of a Berican rock by Nicolò da Venezia in 1428; it is 1,70 meters tall. More recent (1900) are the crown and the necklace of pearls, made by goldsmiths of Vicenza. The future Pope Pio X offered them to the Virgin Mary. In 1796 Francesco Menageot painted Saint Giuseppe’s altarpiece, representing the Holy Family in Egypt. It is one of the best neo-classical pictures in Vicenza. The picture "Incoronazione della Vergine" is another very interesting painting, by Palma il Giovane in 1606. Significant is also the "Resurrezione" and the "Sette Santi Fondatori" by Giovanni Gagliardi and dates back to the 19th century. Not to be forgotten is the picture by Alvise Lamberti Montagna representing the Pity, placed inside the little gothic church. In the arches of the central nave, on the right and on the left of the high altar, you find the four episodes telling the origins of the sanctuary, starting from 1883.
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