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 Introduction
Loreto is located 127 m (417 ft) above sea-level on the right bank of the Musone River. It is 22 km by rail SSE of Ancona. Like many places in the Marche, it provides good views from the Apennines to the Adriatic.
Arrival By Plane
International airport at Ancona (Falconara) is 5 km away.
By Train
There is a railway station at Loreto.
By Car
Motorway A14 Adriatica, exit at Loreto-Portorecanati at about 2.5 km.
Coming from Umbria, state road 777 “Val di Chienti”, freeway up to Civitanova-Marche, than along state road 16 proceeding north.
By Sea
Port at Falconara.
By Bus
Bus services are available from Ancona.
History and Culture
Today, the historical hypothesis, more scientific but as equally impressive, is attributed to the Crusaders, who transported from the Holy Land the precious residence that since the 14th century has been a destination for believers from all over the world.
Thanks to the faith and the generosity of visiting princes and popes, the construction of the immense Sanctuary around Santa Casa, that lasted almost three centuries between modifications and decorating, was achieved by the greatest architects and artists of that time; from Sangallo, Bramante, and Vanvitelli to painters and ceramists of the most noted renaissance schools.
Nevertheless, whether for myth or reality, today Loreto offers a wide range of interests and events to those who visit: sublime sacred occasions, priceless treasures of art, museums, tourist and artistic itineraries, exhibitions and international musical shows and events.
Churches and Museums
Since the fifteenth century, and possibly even earlier, the “Holy House” of Loreto has been numbered among the most famous shrines of Italy. The Basilica built over the Holy House has been rebuilt and repaired periodically since its construction in 1469, leaving it with a Renaissance exterior and a Gothic interior. This dome-crowned edifice, which with its various annexes took more than a century to build and adorn under the direction of many famous artists, serves merely as the setting of a tiny cottage standing within the basilica itself. Though the rough walls of the little building have been raised in height and are cased externally in richly sculptured marble, the interior measures only thirty-one feet by thirteen. Inside the house is an altar with the Latin inscription Hic Verbum Caro Factum Est, “Here the Word was made flesh”. A statue of the Virgin stands above the altar.
Museum-Art Gallery of the Shrine
It is located on the upper floors of the west wing of the Apostolic Palace. It was established at the end of the 19th century with objects and paintings coming mainly from the Apostolic Palace and the Basilica, and also includes some detached frescos. Outstanding among the various objects are some estimable canvases by Lorenzo Lotto, a fine collection of Renaissance ceramics and 10 Raphaelesque tapestries.
The Historical Archives
The Historical Archives of the Holy House collect a huge quantity of handwritten documents, regarding the age-old history of the Shrine, and a considerable number of ancient printed volumes. An archivist and his collaborator take care of the documental and book lecacy. The Archives also publish historical and scientific studies.
Historical buildings and monuments
On the far side of Sixtus V Road, towers the Bastion of the Commune, built in 1518-1519 by Cristoforo Resse from his own design or, according to others, from a plan of Andrea Sansovino or of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, and commissioned by pope Leo X who was concerned about the incursions of the Turks from the nearby Adriatic Sea.
Roman Gate
This was built during 1590 from a design of Pompeo Floriani, when it was also adorned with two statues of Prophets carved by Simone Cioli, initially intended for the Marble Screen (1538-1541).
Municipal Palace
The Municipal Palace, with its earthenware walls; its 17th century bell-tower is the work of Giovanni Branca, while the battlement was added in 1887. In the small square there is the monument to Garibaldi, with a Marble bust by Ettore Ferrari (1886).
Marina Gate
Behind Lotto Square there opens the Marina Gate, built by Giovanni Branca in the 17th century and adorned with the characteristic Barberini bees of Pope Urban VIII (1623-1644).
Places of Interests
On a side of the Piazza there is a Long Portico Gallery built in the second half of the 17th century, when Vanvitelli's bell-tower was being built. It seems that in olden times it served as a shelter for the pilgrims who, arriving at the Shrine at night, found the city gates already closed.
The Fountain
The Fountain, splendid amidst the green of the square, was commissioned by Antonio M. Gallo. It is embellished with armorial bearings and lively figures of cocks (galli), the work of the brothers Tarquinio and Pietro Paolo Jacometti (1614-1616).
Corso Boccalini
From Piazza Garibaldi one enters Corso Boccalini, named after the illustrious writer (born in Loreto 1556, died 1613), called via dei Coronari until 1889.
Lotto Square
Lotto Square opens beneath the magnificent apses. The idea that first springs to mind is of a basilica-fortress, with its sentry walls along corbels dotted with machicolations and arrow-slits between separating merlons. In this superb work by Baccio Pontelli (1487-1488) the practical requirement of military defense is in perfect harmony with Renaissance aesthetic elegance.
The Castellan Walls
On the south side stand the Castellan Walls and the Gate Tower, both realized by Cristoforo Resse probably from a design by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger (1517-1520).
Events
Procession of the Ox - Monday after Pentecost
This beautifully costumed procession culminates when a sumptuously outfitted ox kneels before the statue of St. Zopito.
On the second Sunday of each June, young Christians walk from Macerata to Loreto in pilgrimage.
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Loreto Travel Guide
Single room - From 40€