Ghiaie di Bonate:
Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family

Ghiaie di Bonate : Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family

Step into one of Italy’s most spiritually profound places, where the Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family touched the hearts of thousands. This pilgrimage experience in Ghiaie di Bonate invites you to discover a sacred story of faith, hope, and maternal protection. Walk through the peaceful village where young Adelaide Roncalli witnessed the Marian apparitions in 1944, a moment that inspired devotion across Italy and beyond.

Whether you are on pilgrimage or seeking to understand the powerful spiritual events that shaped this humble town, your visit to Ghiaie di Bonate will leave you moved, renewed, and deeply inspired.

Tour Highlights

Visit the sacred site of Ghiaie di Bonate, where the Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family profoundly touched the heart of Italy in 1944. Walk the peaceful paths where young Adelaide Roncalli witnessed the Blessed Virgin Mary and received messages centered on faith, unity, and the sanctity of the family.
Experience the prayerful atmosphere of the apparition site, a place visited by thousands who come seeking grace, healing, and renewed spiritual strength. Learn about the extraordinary events that unfolded here during the final months of World War II—moments that inspired widespread devotion and continue to draw pilgrims from around the world.
Stroll through the quiet village surroundings, reflecting on the messages of hope and family entrusted to Adelaide. Discover the devotional areas, chapels, and monuments dedicated to the apparitions, each inviting deeper contemplation and gratitude.
Pause at the serene outdoor sanctuary, where pilgrims gather to pray the Rosary and honor the Blessed Mother under the title Queen of the Family. Take in the gentle landscape that has become a symbol of peace and consolation for countless families.
Conclude your visit with a moment of prayer and reflection, asking Our Lady for protection, unity, and blessings for your family and all families around the world.

More Information

Duration : 2 Hours

Tour Inclusions: Experienced tour guide, Access to the apparition site, Small group experience

Tour Exclusions: Personal expenses, hotel pickup, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Ghiaie di Bonate, optional donations, Entrance Fees

Distance: Approximately 1.5 km

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Meeting Point: Please arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of the Ghiaie di Bonate apparition site. Your guide will meet you there to begin the tour.

Full Description

Ghiaie di Bonate : Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family

Step into the sacred heart of Ghiaie di Bonate on this immersive walking tour, where faith, history, and devotion converge. Your journey begins at the apparition site of Our Lady Queen of the Family, where visitors can reflect on the reported Marian apparitions that have inspired countless pilgrims over the years. Here, you’ll learn about the messages, miracles, and enduring legacy that continue to touch the hearts of the faithful today.

Next, explore the spiritual surroundings and chapels associated with the apparitions, where moments of prayer and reflection allow you to connect deeply with this sacred site. Discover the stories of devotion, healing, and testimony shared by those who have experienced the spiritual significance of this place.

Stroll through the peaceful grounds of Ghiaie di Bonate, where each path and corner holds a story of faith and community. Admire the serene natural setting that complements the spiritual atmosphere, offering a perfect place for contemplation and meditation.

Along the way, encounter sites of devotion, votive offerings, and memorials that honor the miracles and experiences associated with the apparitions. Hear the stories of pilgrims whose lives have been inspired and transformed, and appreciate the enduring power of faith and collective devotion.

Your tour concludes at the main chapel, providing a quiet moment for prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Leave with a deeper understanding of Ghiaie di Bonate’s spiritual history, the Marian apparitions, and the ongoing devotion that continues to inspire pilgrims from around the world.

Religious Importance

Ghiaie di Bonate : Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family

Nestled in the serene town of Ghiaie di Bonate, this sacred site is renowned for the reported apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The area is a spiritual haven, combining natural beauty with deep religious significance. Among the most important sites to explore are the apparition locations, chapels dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and areas where devotees leave votive offerings and prayers. Pilgrims come not only to witness these sacred sites but also to reflect, pray, and experience a profound sense of devotion.

The Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family

The central event at Ghiaie di Bonate is the series of Marian apparitions, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared and conveyed messages emphasizing family, faith, and spiritual renewal. These apparitions have inspired countless faithful to deepen their devotion and to seek spiritual guidance and comfort. The site continues to be a major pilgrimage destination, where prayers, masses, and special celebrations honor the messages and miracles associated with the apparitions.

Faith, Devotion, and Pilgrimage

Ghiaie di Bonate has become an important stop for pilgrims following Marian devotion in Italy. Visitors can walk the paths around the apparition site, participate in prayer, and visit the chapels and memorials that preserve the legacy of the apparitions. The site offers an opportunity to connect with centuries of Catholic devotion, witness ongoing acts of faith, and reflect in a tranquil and spiritually uplifting environment.

Whether you come for personal reflection, pilgrimage, or to learn about the stories that shaped this sacred place, Ghiaie di Bonate offers a profound journey of faith, devotion, and inspiration. The peaceful surroundings, historical significance, and spiritual atmosphere make it a unique destination for all who seek to experience the presence and messages of Our Lady Queen of the Family.

Tips & Practical Notes

Dress Code: Dress with an appropriate dress code for religious sites
Walking & Terrain: The tour involves walking approximately 1.2–1.5 km over cobblestone streets, some gentle slopes, and uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Weather & Clothing: Bolsena’s weather can vary—dress in layers and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.
Respectful Conduct: Many stops include sacred sites like the Basilica, catacombs, and chapels. Please maintain respectful silence and follow the guide’s instructions.
Photography: Photos are welcome except where restricted inside sacred areas. Please respect local customs and signage.
Accessibility: If you have mobility concerns, please inform us before booking so we can assist or recommend alternatives.
Language: The tour is conducted in the selected at the reservation stage. Private or multilingual guide options are available upon request.
Health & Safety: Please follow any current health protocols. Inform your guide of allergies or medical needs.
Local Etiquette: Bolsena is a living community with religious traditions—please be courteous to locals and worshippers.
Kids: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Minimum Participants: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon.
Weather Conditions: Our tours operate in all weather conditions; however, in the event of adverse or unsafe weather, the tour may be cancelled, rescheduled, or modified for safety reasons. In such cases, suitable alternative arrangements or remedies will be considered depending on the circumstances.
Personal Items: Carry light; a small bag or backpack for water, camera, and essentials is recommended.

Cancellation Policy

Full Refund: The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund
Time Zone: Local time is applied in the event of cancellation.
Changes: Any changes to be made before 24 hours to the departure
No Refund: Any changes or cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time will not be eligible for a refund.
Group Size: The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate. If this requirement is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, cancelled, or rearranged as a private tour, with any additional costs to be agreed upon. A full refund will be provided if the tour is cancelled due to the minimum number of participants.
Tour Guide Availability & Language Limitations: We specialize in tours to uncommon and unique religious destinations that are often unavailable on standard tours. Due to limited local guide availability, the requested language may not always be available. In such cases, we will offer alternative options before rescheduling or cancelling the tour. If no alternatives are feasible, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled, with a full refund provided.
Pricing Considerations: We strive to offer competitive pricing, but in some cases, limited supplier availability may affect costs.
Our Mission: As a Catholic tour operator, our primary goal is to provide a meaningful spiritual experience. We focus on destinations that are rarely included in standard tours, ensuring your journey is both unique and spiritually enriching.

Visit Ghiaie di Bonate

Plan Your Visit to Ghiaie di Bonate

Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and explore Ghiaie di Bonate — a sacred pilgrimage site rich in faith, history, and devotion. Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on schedules and traffic.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links in this section are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you use them to make a purchase or booking—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely trust. For more details, please see our Affiliate Policy and the UK Advertising Standards Authority guidance on affiliate marketing.

Airport Meet & Assist Services

For a smooth arrival or departure, take advantage of Meet & Assist services available at major airports including Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY). A dedicated assistant will greet you, help with luggage, check-in, and security, ensuring a stress-free start or end to your journey.
Note: Service is available only within the airport.

By Air

Milan Malpensa (MXP) – ~50 km | Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) – ~35 km
Approx. 1–1.5 hours by car or taxi.
From either airport, rent a car or take a train to the Bergamo station, followed by local transport to Ghiaie di Bonate.

Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia

By Train

Nearest Station: Bergamo
From Milan Centrale: ~1–1.5 hours
From Bergamo Station: ~15–20 minutes by local bus or taxi

Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio

By Car

Drive via SP591 or A4 highway, connecting Milan, Bergamo, and surrounding towns.
From Milan: ~50 km (~1 hour) | From Bergamo: ~35 km (~40 minutes)
Parking is available near the sanctuary and surrounding chapels.

Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto

By Bus

Local buses connect Ghiaie di Bonate with Bergamo and nearby towns. Timetables may vary — check ahead of travel.

Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio

By Taxi / Private Transfer

Enjoy a direct and comfortable trip from airports or nearby cities, ideal for small groups or travelers with luggage.

Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups

On Foot / Locally

The sanctuary and apparition sites in Ghiaie di Bonate are easily walkable. All main attractions, chapels, and devotional areas can be reached on foot.

Where to Stay in Ghiaie di Bonate

Find accommodations close to the sanctuary, ranging from guesthouses and boutique hotels to family-run B&Bs.

Hotels & B&Bs| Unique Local Stays

Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda

Experiences & Activities

Enhance your visit by exploring nearby spiritual, cultural, and historical sites in the Bergamo region.

Book Tours & Activities

Find the Best Tours & Activities

Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator

Travel Essentials

Be prepared for a comfortable pilgrimage with appropriate clothing, walking shoes, and devotional items.

Find the Best Travel Essentials

Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance

Religious & Devotional Items

If you cannot visit in person, bring home authentic Catholic devotional items inspired by the apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family.

Find the Best Religious & Devotional Items

Find your Religious & Devotional Items on Amazon

Note:

All times, prices, and details are approximate and may vary depending on schedules, seasons, or service updates. Always check current information before planning your visit.

Travel Tip

Combining train + local taxi or rental car offers the smoothest and most flexible arrival experience from Milan or Bergamo.

Affiliate Disclosure

Personalized Tour Requests

Discover the places that matter most to you, even if you’re staying only a short time.
We create fully personalised pilgrimage routes and custom tours designed around your faith, interests and schedule. Whether you want to visit a sacred shrine, a historic basilica, a monastery on a hilltop, or a lesser-known religious site that few travellers reach, we’ll make it possible.

To help you save time, we can arrange private pickup from the airports, ports, Rail Stations or directly from your accommodation. Our team ensures you have direct, stress-free access to the religious destinations you may not have another chance to visit again.

Every itinerary is crafted with care: Private transfers to and from holy sites, Flexible schedules for prayer, reflection, and guided visits, Local experts to share history, spirituality, and traditions, Tailor-made tours for individuals, couples, families, or parish groups

If there’s a special tour or pilgrimage tied to a destination close to your heart, let us know — we’ll create a meaningful journey crafted just for you. Contact us to get a quotation for your personalised tour request.

Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Ghiaie di Bonate

We’re looking for passionate, licensed tour guides to help share the faith, history, and devotion of Ghiaie di Bonate — the sacred site of the Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family.

If you guide visitors through the apparition sites, chapels, and devotional areas, helping them experience the spiritual significance and stories behind this holy place, we’d love to hear from you.

Join our team and help pilgrims connect with the sacred heritage of Ghiaie di Bonate.

Contact us today to get involved.

Partner with Us

We’re always looking to collaborate with travel agencies, pilgrimage organizers, and Catholic organizations to bring faith-based tours to more pilgrims. Partner with us to offer authentic Catholic pilgrimage experiences, expand your offerings, and deliver unforgettable journeys to sacred sites.

Ghiaie di Bonate:Apparitions of Our Lady Queen of the Family