DESCRIPTION

The Marche, who welcomed the Holy House of Loreto, defined by John Paul II: "The true Marian heart of Christendom", are a land of saints, blessed and popes that have marked the history and culture of the region with the blossoms of spirituality centres spread along the valleys of the Marche or in secluded places, in the heart of the Apennines, in contact with nature and with God. Camaldolese monks, Cistercians and Franciscans in the wake of St. Francis of Assisi have marked the territory of monasteries, abbeys, convents, some of which still open their doors to guests and visitors as once opened to pilgrims and travellers. Over time, the art cities have seen grow and expand Cathedrals today real churches-museum, destinations of visitors and culture lovers. The town of Loreto has developed around the famous Basilica which houses the Holy House of Nazareth where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary was born, lived and received the announcement of the miraculous birth of Jesus. When in 1291 the Muslims finally expelled the Christians from Jerusalem and then tried to regain Nazareth, a group of angels took the Home and, after some wanderings, took it in flight to Loreto. For this reason, the Madonna of Loreto is venerated as the patron saint of aviators. Millions of pilgrims every year from all over the world come to pray in front of the statue of the Black Madonna.