LARGEST - Elliptical Dome in the world - Sanctuary of Vicoforte, Italy
N 44° 21.799 E 007° 51.785
32T E 409406 N 4912855
The largest elliptical dome in the world is in the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, a Baroque masterpiece built between 1596 and 1733 to honor the Virgin Mary.
Waymark Code: WM119KP
Location: Piemonte, Italy
Date Posted: 09/12/2019
Views: 1
Vicoforte is an ancient hilly village which counts about 3.200 inhabitants and it is 7 km far from Mondovì.
The massive Sanctuary of Vicoforte is circled by the Palazzata, which is a belt of palaces built around the square, rounded by arches and arcades.
The Regina Montis Regalis Sanctuary has always been an important destination for pilgrims who came here to tribute the image of the Madonna with the child. It arises in a little valley at the feet of Vicoforte. It is a nice architectonical jewels thanks to its elliptical dome, which is the biggest in the world and dates to the end of 1500. The tradition tells that a hunter shot accidentally a votive pillar with the fresco of the Virgin. The shot caused the damage on the body of the Virgin, from which it seems gushed out some blood drops. The hunter saved money to restore the pillar and his initiative involved also Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy, who, in 1596 ordered a massive project, ended in 1733.The elliptical dome is 74 metres high, with a diameter of 25 and 36 metres and more than six thousand square metres of frescoes. In 1884 to the sanctuary were added the three current façades and the bell towers. Already in 1592 there was the necessity to provide the area with water. In 1597 Caterina D’Aragona, wife of Carlo Emanuele I, asked to build a second fountain for pilgrims. On 25th August 1755 was established a relocation of the fountains, which corresponds to the current aspect of the square, which has been restored in 2017.
Type of documentation of superlative status: Web site
Location of coordinates: In front of the sanctuary
Web Site: [Web Link]
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