The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary stands in Piazza Bartolo Longo in Pompeii. And is located not far from the entrance to the Archaeological Excavations in Piazza Anfiteatro.
It is one of the most important and visited Marian shrines in Italy, especially during the months dedicated to the supplication of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary: in May and the first Sunday in October.
The construction of the Shrine of Pompeii dates back to 8 May 1876. Made possible thanks to the spontaneous offerings from all over the world of so many faithful and thanks to the work of its founder, Blessed Bartolo Longo.
Structure of the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary
The Shrine initially planned in the shape of a Latin cross with a single nave, it measured just 420 square metres. Subsequently, due to the ever-increasing number of faithful visitors, it became necessary to proceed with new works to enlarge.
The work began in 1934 by Monsignor Spirito Maria Chiappetta, who maintained the original Latin cross structure but built two more naves.
Thus increasing from a single nave to three and from the initial 420 square metres to an impressive 2. 000 square metres inside. With a capacity of 6,000 people and a total volume of 40,000 metres.
Next to the Shrine, the imposing bell tower was also built, 88 metres high, decorated externally in grey granite and a 7-metre high bronze cross was installed at the top.
PPainting of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary
The Shrine of Pompeii is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary. The story goes that the painting of the Madonna was given to its founder, Blessed Bartolo Longo, by Sister Maria Concetta De Litala in Naples.
In order to transport it to Pompeii, the latter entrusted it to a cart driver, Mr. Angelo Tortora. Who loaded it onto a wagon full of manure, wrapped in a worn blanket.
It was 13 November 1875, and since then, a day of prayer has been celebrated on the birth of the new Pompeii.
The painting (120 cm high and 100 cm wide), venerated all over Italy, depicts the Madonna on the throne with Jesus in her arms and St Dominic and St Catherine of Siena at her feet.
Blessed Virgin holds a rosary in her left hand, which she hands to St. Catherine, while Jesus holds another rosary in the hands of St. Dominic.
The Shrine of Pompeii is the destination of numerous pilgrimages from all parts of Italy. But the most important ones, without doubt, have been those made by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis
