The Votive Chapel

Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Miracoli of Lonigo: liturgical notes

The special structure of the church is due to the presence of a votive chapel where there is, even though difficult to make out, a fresco of The Miracle. As opposed to the chapels opened in the 14th century in the side walls of churches for the private prayer of noble families or some confraternity, this is a real sanctuary. The small building, which in all probability has retained its original size, was flanked by other constructions more suitable for celebrations, reserving this holy space for the moment of prayer and devotion to the Mother of God. Although the term "sanctuary" has been given a permanent definition only in this century, it indicates a sacred place to which people go on pilgrimage "ad gratias impetrandas vel vota solvenda". Today pilgrimages to this church have greatly diminished, but their past presence is still here unaltered in the rich decoration, precious, almost like the work of a goldsmith. Going under the triumphal arch the faithful entered the space reserved for meditation and divided from the apse by a pergula, the work of Alvise Ramberti da Montagnana (between the 15th and 16th centuries). Inside the little apse there is an altar with some splendid marble inlays of the 17th century at the sides depicting branches with fruit and birds. Above the table a mosaic of the end of the 19th century reproduces the fresco which was already ruined then. The Virgin is portrayed in her position after the Miracle, at the foot of the Cross; among the leaves there are medallions with the Twelve Apostles and in the centre the figure of Christ crucified, and at the top the pelican, the symbol of his sacrifice. On the left wall can be seen what remains of the original painting, framed by a red marble aedicule of the Lambertian period. This thaumaturgic image is protected by a grid on which rests the Papal tiara in commemoration of the Crowning of the Image according to tradition in 1618. The rest of the decoration is from the Baroque period: see especially the barrel vault ceiling covered with gilded stuccoes, and in the centre the Assumption surrounded by singing angels. The paintings, in tempera, were thoroughly restored in 1887 under the direction of the painter Rocco Pittaco, who had the task of also painting the two monochromes with the history of the Sanctuary on the north wall of the chapel. All the decoration of the church exalts the figure of Mary, and especially the moment of her glorification. In the development of devotion to Mary the Assumption in fact represents the culmination of the Virgin's importance, as she is taken up as Queen to sit at the side of God.

By dott. Michela Fantin (Arts Office of the Diocese of Vicenza)

Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Miracoli of Lonigo
Address: via Madonna di Lonigo, 18 - 36045 Lonigo (VI) - tel. 0444 830502
Opening times: every day 8.00-12.00 and 14.00-18.00