Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHTS
LORETA
OFFLINE MAP
The Loreta is a place of pilgrimage founded by Benigna Kateřina Lobkowicz in
1626, designed as a replica of the supposed Santa Casa (Sacred House; the
home of the Virgin Mary) in the Holy Land. Legend says the original Santa Casa
was carried by angels to the Italian town of Loreto as the Turks advanced on
Nazareth.
Santa Casa
The duplicate Santa Casa is in a courtyard surrounded by cloistered arcades, churches
and chapels. The interior is adorned with 17th-century frescoes and reliefs depicting
the Virgin Mary's life, and an ornate silver altar with a wooden effigy of Our Lady of
Loreto. Above the courtyard's entrance 27 bells play 'We Greet Thee a Thousand
Times' on the hour.
