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Madonna della Corona

Perched on ancient cliffs is one of the Veneto's and indeed Italy's most impressive sights. This is the sixteenth-century Madonna della Corona.

Awesome is so overused these days, but when you first set eyes upon this church, you'll understand the true meaning instantly.

It seems almost impossible to imagine how they could build it up here.  Hanging, swallow's nest style, on the edge of a towering cliff, threatening to tumble down into the abyss below and all the while heart-wrenchingly beautiful.

The overhanging cliff, too, seems set to crush the church, held off only by divine intervention.

The History

Back in the early 1500s, something extraordinary stirred on the steep cliffs above the Adige Valley. Villagers from the valley below noticed a mysterious, radiant light glowing high on the mountainside. Curious and filled with a quiet awe, they climbed the rugged slopes to find the source. What they discovered was more than they could have imagined—a statue of the Madonna holding her Son in her arms, a tender and sorrowful Pietà that seemed to have descended from the heavens themselves.

The villagers, deeply moved by this sacred find, knew they had to honor it. With humble means but hearts full of devotion, they built a small chapel right there on the rock face, where earth and sky meet. It was barely more than a single room at first, but it became a place of pilgrimage—a symbol of love, hope, and unwavering faith.

Over the centuries, as more and more people came seeking comfort and strength, the sanctuary grew. The little chapel was slowly transformed into the breathtaking Madonna della Corona we know today, clinging dramatically to the mountainside like a miracle in stone. Its growth mirrored the deepening devotion of those who visited—ordinary people touched by something far greater than themselves.

Walking the path to the sanctuary today, you can’t help but feel it. The silence, the mountain air, the views that stretch across the valley—it all invites you to pause and breathe. Whether you come with faith in your heart or simply a need for peace, this is a place that embraces you. A place where the Madonna’s love still lingers in the quiet, still corners.

A few tips if you're thinking of visiting:

• If you’re feeling energetic, take the scenic pilgrim’s path from Brentino Belluno—a beautiful (and steep!) hike of around 2 hours through forest and mountain views.
• For a gentler approach, you can drive to Spiazzi and then either walk the paved path (about 20–30 minutes downhill) or hop on a small shuttle bus during high season.
• Entry is free, and the church is open year-round, though it’s particularly atmospheric in spring and autumn, which is my favorite, as the crowds have gone and the leaves paint the valley gold.
• One more thing: there’s a lovely little café and souvenir shop near the sanctuary—perfect for a coffee and a pastry.

Where is the Madonna della Corona?

An easy day trip from Verona or Lake Garda. Base yourself either in Verona (the Hotel Verona is a good option) or somewhere like the Hotel le Mura in Lazise and you'll be perfectly situated to explore the Madonna della Corona.

It is best to have your own car to get to the Madonna, though, and to help you plan your trip, I have highlighted the Madonna on the map below the links - it is the little blue marker thingy to the mid-right of the map and to the left of the A22 road.

• Looking for somewhere to stay in the Veneto? These are my suggestions.
• For another awesome cliff-top monastery visit the Sacra di San Michele.

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