Pilgrimage sites in Italy – Genazzano

History

The old church of Saint Mary of Genazzano already existed in 1277. Since 1356, there have been Augustinians in Genazzano.

A legend lies at the foundation of the pilgrimage site. The story is that on April 25, 1467, the fresco with the Mary statues miraculously arrived in Genazzano from Shkoder/Scutari in Albania, because angels transport the artwork. Albania was then occupied by the Ottomans. Since the 13th century, the painting has been revered in Albania with the invocation of “Our Lady of Good Counsel”. The fresco is by an unknown artist. With the death of the Albanian prince Scanderbeg, born as Gjergj Kastrioti (Skënderbeu, 1405-1468), no one is able to stop Muslims. He is a prince from the Kastrioti family, is considered a national hero of Albania. In 1444, he was crowned as the prince of Albania by founding the League of Lezhë, the Albanian League (1444-1479). This was an alliance between all the principalities in Albania, concluded in the city of Lezhë in northwestern Albania. The League aimed to fight against the Ottoman Empire. The Albanian prince repeatedly resisted the Ottoman attacks with his troops between 1444 and 1468.

When the artwork depicting Mary arrives in Genazzano in 1467, there are an astonishing 161 miracles in the first 110 days!

Leo XIII, Pope from 1878 until 1903, born as Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci (1810-1903), grants the title of Basilica to the pilgrimage church. This Pope introduces the feast of “Our Lady of Good Counsel” for the entire Catholic Church. Furthermore, he adds the title “Mother of Good Counsel” to the “Litany of Loreto of Mary”.

On 10 May 2025, the Marian shrine will be visited by Leo XIV, Pope from 8 May 2025, born Robert Francis Prevost (*1955). He has a fondness for the icon and has been here many times before. On his third day in office as Holy Father, the Pope will come here to pray to Mary and seek Her good advice.

Since 2026, a new large mural has been located in the chapel of the Mother of Good Counsel. This fresco depicts Pope Leo XIV kneeling in prayer in front of the image of Mary. The artwork was unveiled on September 7, 2026, and hangs on the wall of the Mariapelle Chapel. It was created by the artist Marco Innocenzi (*1971). Other images of popes in the chapel include those of Urban VIII, Pius IX, John XXIII, and John Paul II.

Pilgrimage site

Genazzano is a medieval town, situated on a hill overlooking the valley of the Sacco River. The town also boasts a large 11th-century castle named Castello Colonna. The ascending, historic centre has many alleys, paved with cobblestones.

The Sanctuary of Genazzano is named “Santuario Madre del Buon Consiglio” (“Sanctuary Mother of Good Counsel”). The basilica has 3 naves and a spacious presbytery.

The miraculous painting depicts Mary with Child and has been venerated here since 1467. Pilgrims come to the pilgrimage site to entrust their faith, hope, and sorrow to Mary. Our Lady understands them and offers advice in any form. The painting brings believers into contact with Our Lady.

At the back of the basilica, there is a large image of Saint Nicholas.

The annual holiday is 26 April.

ACCESSIBILITY

Genazzano belongs to the province of Rome and is located in the region of Lazio.

Address: Corso Cardinali Vannutelli 2, 00030 Genazzano.

Up-to-date information can be found at: www.madredelbuonconsiglio.it.

Experience

On my journey to the south of Italy, I arrive in the pilgrimage site of Genazzano. Visiting this pilgrimage site is the goal of today, and then I come to the Mother of Good Counsel, who is the sign of hope.

The basilica is situated in an ancient part of the city, high up on a steep cobbled road. I walk through an old gateway and feel as though I’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages.

When I enter the basilica, a Eucharist service has just begun and I take a seat at the back of this large building. After the service, I take a tour of the grand house of worship.

The new Pope Leo XIV has been here as Pope, and he has prayed to Mary here before, asking her for guidance. There is a photograph of him next to the miraculous statue. The image of Mary and Child has a powerful communicative force. I, too, could do with some guidance from Mary. I pray before the image and, a little later, I have an inspiration …

During the visit to the basilica, I note the regular opening hours of the pilgrimage site: 7.00 am - 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 7.30 pm.

Environment

In the region of Genazzano, there are cycling and walking opportunities.

From the Italian capital Rome to Genazzano is 62 km in a southeasterly direction.

Leaving L'Aquila to arrive in Genazzano requires travelling 102 km south-west.

Leaving Frosinone and getting to Genazzano is going 55 km to the northwest.

The distance from Avezzano to Genazzano is 90 km southeast.

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