This Attraction In Italy Is A Cliffside Sanctuary That Seems To Defy The Laws Of Physics

Perched on a thin rock shelf around 2,500 feet above sea level lies the Santuario Madonna Della Corona. This seemingly gravity-defying sanctuary built directly into the cliff face of Monte Baldo has been a popular pilgrimage site for centuries. With sweeping views over the valley of the Adige River and nearby Lake Garda, the sanctuary is appropriately placed between heaven and earth, both physically and metaphorically. This famous church in the cliff is in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, just below the small village of Spiazzi. It's around 25 miles from the lovely city of Verona.

The feat of building a church halfway up a cliffside is remarkable, and the site has seen many changes and modifications over the centuries. Starting as a humble hermitage, the chapel was added later. It was partially torn down in the 1970s, and the church that's there today was rebuilt over the remains of the chapel while retaining the original features.

Inside the church is the famous 15th-century statue of the Madonna and Child, which Pope John Paul II once visited in 1988. Other notable works of art include the ex-votos, 167 tablets that line the interior walls of the church, and sculptures of angels made from white Carrara marble by Ugo Zannoni. The site is also popular for those wanting to see the Scala Santa, a holy staircase situated just outside the church. The stairs are a replica of those that Jesus is believed to have climbed to reach Pontius Pilate's palace.

There are two ways to reach this incredible church, from either above or below. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims and are ready for a challenging climb, you should take the historic Sentiero dei Pellegrini, or Pilgrims' Path, from Brentino Belluno, a small village at the base of Monte Baldo.

This ancient tree-lined path is a steep hour-and-a-half climb up roughly 1,540 steps, with an elevation of around 1,970 feet. It's a demanding but deeply atmospheric experience, especially when you reflect on those who made this journey up the mountain carrying the heavy building materials needed to construct the church. This is a rocky and uneven route, and decent hiking shoes are a must.

If you want an easier and quicker (on the way down) route, go for the descent from Spiazzi above the sanctuary. There's a car park in the village, and you can either head down the steps through the forest from the village square or take the gently winding paved road. This road also serves a shuttle bus running between the town and the sanctuary several times a day for around $4 round-trip. To make the most of both the sanctuary and a few hours hiking, take the 2.5-mile Santuario Madonna della Corona via Spiazzi loop trail, which twists its way across the mountainside, linking forest paths and providing outstanding viewpoints.

If you're tackling the rocky path leading up to the Santuario Madonna Della Corona, you'll likely need a little refreshment when you reach the top, and the Bar Al Santuario was put there exactly for that purpose. With a small terrace overlooking the valley, it's perfectly placed to replenish your energy levels with a drink or snack.

For something more substantial to eat, or a bed for the night, you'll find what you need in Spiazzi. When in Italy, eat what the Italians eat, and there are popular Italian classics at Trattoria Pizza Flower. Take your pick from reasonably priced, delicious pizza and pasta dishes served on the terrace. For traditional Veronese cuisine, the Locanda Tre Vie serves up a gastronomic treat with authentic regional dishes made with local ingredients.

If you're exploring Italy on a budget, try the two-star Hotel Aurora overlooking the sanctuary. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the hotel has its own restaurant. If you're pushing the boat out and want a more luxurious stay, try the Hotel San Pietro with panoramic views among landscaped gardens, or take your pick from a range of cozy Airbnb stays around the village. Traveling solo? Make your way to Lake Garda, which is only 21 miles away, and one of the top destinations for solo travel in Italy.