Oropa:
One of the oldest Marian shrines in the world
Oropa : One of the oldest Marian shrines in the world
Step into the Sacred Heart of Oropa: One of the Oldest Marian Shrines in the World. Discover the spiritual charm of Oropa, one of the oldest Marian shrines in the world. This immersive walking tour invites you to explore a place steeped in faith, devotion, and centuries-old tradition. From the revered sites of Marian apparitions to tranquil sanctuaries and the peaceful streets of this historic hill town, every step offers an opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal.
Whether you are on a pilgrimage or simply seeking to experience the sacred stories that have inspired countless visitors, Oropa promises a journey filled with inspiration, devotion, and the timeless allure of Marian heritage.
Tour Highlights
Discover the Apparitions of Our Lady: Learn about the history, spiritual significance, and devotion inspired by these sacred events within the local community.
Reflect on Marian Messages and Traditions: Delve into themes of hope, repentance, and trust in God as you explore Oliveto Citra’s enduring spiritual heritage.
Stroll Through Historic Streets: Wander the peaceful hill-town streets where centuries of faith and local culture come alive.
Pause for Prayer and Contemplation: Visit quiet chapels and sacred spaces dedicated to Marian devotion, perfect for personal reflection.
Learn About Pilgrimage Growth: Understand how the apparitions shaped Oropa’s spiritual identity and became a center of pilgrimage.
Connect with Nature and Faith: Enjoy moments of silence amid the serene beauty of the surrounding hills and the Sele Valley.
Conclude with Spiritual Renewal: End your journey with a final prayer at the sanctuary, leaving with a renewed sense of peace, gratitude, and inspiration.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions:
Expert tour guide with in-depth knowledge of Oropa and Marian devotion
Entrance to the historic Sanctuary of Our Lady
Intimate small group experience for a personalized visit
Tour Exclusions:
Personal expenses
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from Oliveto Citra
Optional donations
Additional entrance fees not included
Distance Covered: Approximately 1.5 km
Accessibility: Please note, the tour is not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point: Arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Oliveto Citra. Your guide will greet you at the entrance.
Oropa: One of the Oldest Marian Shrines in the World
Step into the sacred heart of Oropa on this immersive walking tour, where history, faith, and Marian tradition converge. Your journey begins at the Sanctuary of Our Lady, one of the oldest and most revered Marian shrines in the world, celebrated for its apparitions and enduring spiritual significance. Here, you’ll learn about the apparitions, the devotion they inspired, and the lasting legacy that continues to attract pilgrims and visitors from across the globe.
Explore the chapels and sacred spaces within the sanctuary, where centuries of miraculous events and divine intercessions have been preserved. Understand how these extraordinary occurrences shaped local and regional devotion, and gain insight into their profound historical and spiritual importance.
Continue through the historic streets of Oropa, where every corner echoes stories of faith and tradition. Admire the town’s timeless charm, from its stone buildings to quaint squares, and pause at scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding hills — perfect for reflection on the town’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Along the way, visit local shrines and sacred fountains, each tied to miraculous healings and centuries of devotion. Hear the inspiring stories of those whose lives were touched by faith, and appreciate the enduring strength of community and belief.
Your tour concludes back at the Sanctuary of Our Lady, providing a serene moment for prayer, contemplation, and gratitude. Leave with a deeper understanding of Oropa’s sacred history, its miraculous traditions, and the timeless Christian faith that continues to resonate through its streets and holy sites.
Oropa: One of the Oldest Marian Shrines in the World
Nestled in the Campania region of southern Italy, Oropa stands as a sacred destination of Marian devotion and historical charm. Pilgrims and travelers alike are drawn not only by its scenic beauty but also by its profound spiritual significance. At the heart of this hill town lies the Sanctuary of Our Lady, renowned for the Marian apparitions that have inspired centuries of faith, devotion, and pilgrimage. Surrounding the sanctuary, visitors can explore historic chapels, devotional fountains, and other sacred landmarks that reflect Oropa’s enduring Christian heritage.
The Apparitions of Our Lady in Oropa
Oropa is celebrated for the Marian apparitions witnessed by the faithful over generations. These miraculous events have strengthened devotion to Our Lady, inspired countless pilgrimages, and established religious feasts and processions that continue to be observed locally and regionally. The sanctuary, along with its chapels and devotional sites, remains a center for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Pilgrims visit to seek guidance, offer petitions, and participate in the living tradition of Marian devotion that thrives to this day.
Marian Devotion and Pilgrimage Tradition
Oropa lies along historic pilgrimage routes of southern Italy, offering travelers a place for rest, reflection, and spiritual enrichment. The Sanctuary of Our Lady and surrounding devotional sites provide a tangible connection between faith, history, and the journey of the soul. Whether visiting for a day or as part of a longer pilgrimage, visitors experience the profound spiritual atmosphere and historical legacy of this cherished Marian shrine. The town’s streets, chapels, and sacred spaces invite exploration of centuries of devotion, miraculous events, and community faith, leaving a lasting impression of piety, heritage, and spiritual inspiration.
- 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.
- 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.
Plan Your Visit to Oropa
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and enjoy Oropa, a town steeped in Marian devotion, faith, history, and Italian charm. Travel times are approximate and may vary with 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
Ensure a smooth start or end to your journey with Meet & Assist services at major airports including Rome Fiumicino, Rome Ciampino, and Naples. A dedicated assistant will help with luggage, check-in, and security, providing a stress-free travel experience—ideal for first-time visitors or pilgrims heading to Oropa.
By Air
Rome Fiumicino (FCO): ~120 km | Rome Ciampino (CIA): ~130 km
Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours by car or taxi
Options: Rent a car or take a train via Orte to Oliveto Citra
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Montefiascone–Bolsena (Rome–Orte line)
From Rome Termini: ~1.5–2 hours (transfer at Orte) | From Orte: ~30–40 minutes
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Drive along the scenic SS2 Cassia, connecting Rome, Viterbo, and Florence
Distances: From Rome: ~120 km (~1.5–2 hours) | From Viterbo: ~25 km (~30 minutes)
Free and paid parking available near central locations in Oliveto Citra
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Regional Cotral buses connect nearby towns with Oliveto Citra
Timetables vary — check before travelling
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Enjoy a direct, 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
Oropa is a compact, walkable town. Main attractions—including religious sites, historic streets, and local landmarks—are easily accessible on foot.
Where to Stay in Oropa
Find the perfect stay within walking distance of the Sanctuary of Our Lady and historic center. Options include boutique hotels, guesthouses, and family-run B&Bs.
Hotels & B&Bs| 
Unique Local Stays
Find the Best Hotels – Book your Hotels with Expedia or Agoda
Experiences & Activities
Make your visit unforgettable—explore nearby spiritual and cultural treasures or extend your journey through Campania and southern Italy.
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 walk through Oropa’s historic streets and sacred sites.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance
Religious & Devotional Items
Bring a piece of Oropa’s faith and history home. Explore authentic Catholic devotional items inspired by the apparitions of Our Lady and other sacred Italian traditions.
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 provider updates. Always check current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
Combine train + local taxi or rental car for the smoothest arrival—perfect for balancing comfort and flexibility.
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.
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.
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Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Oropa
We are seeking licensed tour guides to help share the faith, history, and beauty of Oropa, one of the oldest Marian shrines in the world. If you have experience guiding visitors through local churches, Marian apparition sites, historic landmarks, or scenic walking trails around the town, we want to hear from you.
Become part of our team and help pilgrims and travelers experience the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Oropa. Your expertise will bring the town’s history, devotion, and traditions to life for every visitor.
Contact us today to join our team and guide visitors through this cherished Marian destination.
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.