History
Augustinians have been in Genazzano since 1356.
A legend lies at the heart of the pilgrimage site. The story goes that in 1467, the fresco depicting the image of Mary miraculously travelled from Shkoder/Scutari in Albania to Genazzano, carried by angels. Albania was then occupied by the Ottomans. Since the 13th century, the painting had been venerated in Albania under the invocation of “Our Lady of Good Counsel”. The fresco is by an unknown artist. With the death of the Albanian prince Scanderbeg, born Gjergj Kastrioti (Skënderbeu, 1405-1468), there was no one capable of stopping the Muslims. He was a prince of the Kastrioti family and is regarded as Albania's national hero. In 1444, he was crowned Prince of Albania by establishing the League of Lezhë, the Albanian League (1444-1479). This was an alliance between all the principalities in Albania, formed in the city of Lezhë in northwestern Albania. The League's aim was to fight against the Ottoman Empire. The Albanian prince, with his troops, repelled attacks from the Ottomans multiple times 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 to 1903, born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci (1810-1903), conferred the title of basilica upon the pilgrimage church.
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.
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 trip to southern Italy, I'll be visiting the pilgrimage site of Genazzano. Visiting this holy place is today's objective, and then I'll come to the Mother of Good Counsel.
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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