The Crowned Virgin of Mantua:
A Sanctuary of Ancient Devotion and History
The Sanctuary of the Crowned Virgin is a place steeped in devotion and history, a corner of spirituality in the heart of Mantua, frequented by many believers. The history of this sacred place traces its roots to the veneration of the image of the Madonna of St. Anselmo, an ancient cult that makes this church the oldest in the diocese dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Origins and Location
Affectionately called “The Crowned” by the people of Mantua, this church is located to the left of the cathedral. Access is through a small atrium, and it is connected to the cathedral’s sacristy. In the center of the wall behind the altar, there is the ancient fresco of the Madonna with the Child, in front of which, according to tradition, Anselmo da Baggio, the future patron of the city, used to pray. This image was originally placed in the passage between the cathedral and the no longer existing church of San Paolo, of which some traces remain in the episcopal seminary.
Growth of Marian Devotion
Devotion to this Marian image grew exponentially, fueled by the belief in apparitions and dialogues of the Virgin with the saint and the numerous miracles attributed to Her intercession. Votive donations poured in, leading the fresco to be named Santa Maria dei Voti.
Construction of the Sanctuary
The present-day Sanctuary was erected in the second half of the 15th century, thanks to what we would now call a crowdfunding campaign. In 1481, Marchese Federico I orchestrated a great debate in the large square of San Pietro (current Piazza Sordello) concerning the Immaculate Conception of Mary. After the victory of the Franciscan thesis, the fundraising allowed the construction of the sanctuary to begin, designed by Luca Fancelli.
Coronation and Celebrations
It was only in 1640 that Santa Maria dei Voti became the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Crowned Queen of Mantua, thanks to the will of Maria Gonzaga. On November 28, 1640, a statue of Santa Maria dei Voti was crowned, and since then, the Feast of the Crowned Virgin is celebrated with great fervor every November, on the first Sunday after St. Martin’s Day.
đź“…Â Feast of the Crowned Virgin:Â The first Sunday after St. Martin’s Day in November, with special events and celebrations.