Vicenza:
Sanctuary of Monte Berico
Vicenza : Sanctuary of Monte Berico
Step into the spiritual heart of Vicenza, one of northern Italy’s most revered pilgrimage destinations. This inspiring walking experience invites you to discover the Sanctuary of Monte Berico, a place where faith, history, and breathtaking views come together in perfect harmony.
Rising above the city, the Sanctuary of Monte Berico commemorates the Marian apparitions of the 15th century and has long been a symbol of hope, protection, and devotion. As you explore this sacred site, you’ll uncover centuries of Christian tradition, artistic beauty, and the deep faith that continues to draw pilgrims from across Italy and beyond.
Whether you are visiting on a religious pilgrimage, seeking a moment of prayer and reflection, or simply exploring Vicenza’s spiritual and cultural heritage, this experience offers a profound connection to faith, history, and the timeless soul of the city.
Tour Highlights
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monte Berico, one of northern Italy’s most important Marian pilgrimage sites, built to commemorate the 15th-century apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Explore the Upper Basilica, admired for its Baroque architecture, sacred artworks, and atmosphere of deep prayer and devotion.
Descend into the Lower Church, a more intimate and contemplative space housing ex-votos and testimonies of Marian intercession through the centuries.
Learn about the Marian apparitions of 1426 and 1428, which inspired generations of faithful and continue to shape Vicenza’s spiritual identity.
Walk along the historic Portico of Monte Berico, a graceful covered pilgrimage route lined with chapels and devotional art, offering moments of quiet reflection.
Enjoy panoramic views over Vicenza and the Venetian plain, a serene setting that invites prayer, gratitude, and spiritual renewal.
Discover the deep connection between the sanctuary and the city, where faith, architecture, and community devotion have flourished for centuries.
Conclude your journey with a moment of prayer and reflection at the sanctuary, leaving with a sense of peace, inspiration, and renewed faith.
More Information
Duration : 2 Hours
Language : 
English | 
French | 
Spanish | 
German | 
Italian | 
Portuguese | 
Polish
Tour Inclusions : Licensed and experienced tour guide, Guided visit to the Sanctuary of Monte Berico, Small group experience
Tour Exclusions : Personal expenses, hotel pickup, food and drinks, transportation to/from Monte Berico, optional donations, entrance fees (if applicable)
Distance : Approximately 1.5 km
Accessibility : Not wheelchair accessible
Meeting Point : Please arrive 10 minutes early at the main entrance of the Sanctuary of Monte Berico, Vicenza. Your guide will be waiting in front of the main steps leading to the basilica. Please refer to the Google Map for exact location.
Vicenza: Sanctuary of Monte Berico
Step into the spiritual heart of Vicenza on this enriching walking tour centered around the Sanctuary of Monte Berico, one of northern Italy’s most revered Marian pilgrimage sites. Set high above the city, this sacred sanctuary offers a powerful blend of faith, history, and breathtaking beauty, drawing pilgrims and visitors for centuries.
Your journey begins at the Sanctuary of Monte Berico, built in devotion to Our Lady of Monte Berico, who is believed to have appeared here in the 15th century. Learn about the miraculous events that led to the construction of the sanctuary and how Marian devotion shaped Vicenza’s religious identity. Inside the basilica, admire sacred artworks, votive offerings, and the peaceful atmosphere that continues to inspire prayer and reflection.
Walk along the historic Portico of Monte Berico, an elegant covered arcade connecting the sanctuary to the city below. As you stroll this iconic pilgrimage route, hear stories of faith, gratitude, and hope expressed through centuries of pilgrimages. The path offers stunning panoramic views over Vicenza, creating moments of quiet contemplation along the way.
Discover the deep connection between the sanctuary and the local community, especially during times of hardship, when devotion to the Virgin Mary became a source of strength and healing. Learn how Monte Berico remains a living place of worship, where traditions, feast days, and processions continue to unite the faithful.
Pause at scenic viewpoints overlooking the city and surrounding countryside, reflecting on the harmony between spiritual devotion and architectural beauty. The elevated setting of Monte Berico provides a serene environment ideal for prayer, meditation, and appreciation of Vicenza’s sacred landscape.
Your tour concludes at the Sanctuary of Monte Berico, allowing time for personal prayer, reflection, or quiet exploration before departure. Leave with a deeper understanding of Vicenza’s Marian heritage, its enduring faith, and the timeless spiritual significance of Monte Berico.
Vicenza: Sanctuary of Monte Berico
Rising above the historic city of Vicenza in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the Sanctuary of Monte Berico stands as one of the country’s most important Marian pilgrimage destinations. Overlooking the city and surrounding countryside, this sacred hill has drawn pilgrims, travelers, and the faithful for centuries, offering a powerful union of spiritual devotion, history, and panoramic beauty. Vicenza itself, renowned for its artistic legacy and Palladian architecture, finds its spiritual heart in Monte Berico — a place of prayer, protection, and hope.
At the center of this devotion is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monte Berico, built following Marian apparitions that occurred in the 15th century during a devastating plague. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a local woman, promising deliverance if the people built a church in her honor. When the plague ended, the sanctuary was erected, becoming a lasting symbol of gratitude and faith. Today, the basilica houses revered Marian images, votive offerings, and sacred artworks that reflect centuries of answered prayers and enduring devotion.
One of the most distinctive features of Monte Berico is the Portico of Monte Berico, an elegant covered arcade stretching from the sanctuary down to the city. With its hundreds of arches, this historic pilgrimage path has guided generations of the faithful on foot toward the sanctuary. Walking the portico is both a physical and spiritual journey, offering moments of reflection accompanied by breathtaking views of Vicenza below.
Marian Devotion at Monte Berico
Devotion to Our Lady of Monte Berico has long been intertwined with the life of Vicenza. During times of war, disease, and hardship, the people turned to the Virgin Mary for protection and intercession. Over the centuries, countless pilgrims have left offerings in thanksgiving for healings, answered prayers, and spiritual comfort. Annual Marian feasts and processions continue to draw worshippers, reaffirming Monte Berico’s role as a living center of faith rather than a monument of the past.
Inside the sanctuary, visitors encounter a serene atmosphere that invites prayer and contemplation. Sacred chapels, devotional altars, and religious art reflect the deep Marian spirituality that defines this holy site. The elevated setting enhances the sense of peace, making Monte Berico a place where faith and silence coexist harmoniously.
Pilgrimage, Reflection, and Spiritual Journey
Although not on the Via Francigena, Monte Berico is firmly rooted in Italy’s pilgrimage tradition. For centuries, believers have climbed this sacred hill as an act of devotion, penance, or thanksgiving. The ascent itself symbolizes the inner journey of faith — moving upward toward hope, renewal, and divine encounter.
Today, pilgrims and visitors alike continue this tradition, whether walking the portico, attending Mass, or pausing to admire the sweeping views across Vicenza and the Venetian plain. Monte Berico offers a timeless spiritual experience, uniting art, history, and devotion in a single sacred landscape.
A visit to the Sanctuary of Monte Berico is more than a tour — it is an invitation to reflect, pray, and reconnect with centuries of living faith. Whether you come as a pilgrim or a cultural traveler, Monte Berico leaves a lasting impression of peace, gratitude, and spiritual depth.
- 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 Vicenza
Discover the easiest ways to reach, stay, and enjoy Vicenza, home to the revered Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monte Berico — a hilltop Marian shrine rich in faith, history, and breathtaking views. 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 and stress-free travel experience, take advantage of Meet & Assist services available at major Italian airports, including Venice Marco Polo, Verona, and Milan.
A dedicated assistant will greet you, assist with luggage, check-in, and security procedures, ensuring a seamless start or end to your journey.
This service is ideal for first-time visitors to Italy, families, elderly pilgrims, or anyone seeking extra comfort while travelling.
By Air
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) – ~65 km
Verona Airport (VRN) – ~55 km
Approx. 1–1.25 hours by car or train.
From either airport, travel to Vicenza city centre, then continue to Monte Berico by taxi, bus, or on foot via the historic portico.
Find the Best Flights – Book your flights with Expedia
By Train
Nearest Station: Vicenza Centrale
Direct high-speed and regional connections available from Venice, Verona, Milan, Padua, and Bologna.
From Vicenza station, the Sanctuary of Monte Berico is reachable by taxi, bus, or a scenic walk.
Find the Best Trains – Book your Trains with Omio
By Car
Vicenza is easily accessed via the A4 Milan–Venice motorway.
From Venice: ~65 km (~1 hour)
From Verona: ~55 km (~1 hour)
Parking is available near the Sanctuary of Monte Berico and along the hillside access roads.
Find the Best Rent a Car – Rent your car with Centauto
By Bus
Local SVT buses connect Vicenza city centre with Monte Berico regularly.
Bus routes operate from the train station and central areas.
Timetables may vary — check locally before travelling.
Find the Best Buses – Book your Buses with Omio
By Taxi / Private Transfer
Enjoy a direct and comfortable journey from nearby airports or cities.
Ideal for pilgrims, small groups, or travellers with luggage.
Private Transfers – Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups
On Foot / Locally
Vicenza is a compact and walkable city.
A highlight of the visit is walking the historic Portico of Monte Berico, a covered pilgrimage path leading from the city up to the sanctuary — a meaningful spiritual and cultural experience.
Where to Stay in Vicenza
Find the perfect accommodation close to the historic centre, Monte Berico, or within easy reach of Vicenza’s Palladian landmarks.
Choose from boutique hotels, comfortable 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
Enhance your visit with spiritual, cultural, and architectural experiences:
Visit the Sanctuary of Monte Berico
Explore Vicenza’s UNESCO-listed Palladian architecture
Enjoy panoramic viewpoints and Marian pilgrimage walks
Book Tours & Activities
Find the Best Tours & Activities
Find tours & day trips on GetYourGuide
Explore cultural & religious tours on Viator
Travel Essentials
Be prepared and comfortable for your visit to Vicenza’s sacred sites and historic streets.
Find the Best Travel Essentials
Find your travel accessories on Amazon
Find your Travel Insurance
Religious & Devotional Items
If you cannot visit Vicenza in person, you can still bring home a symbol of its Marian devotion.
Explore authentic Catholic devotional items inspired by Our Lady of Monte Berico and Italy’s rich spiritual 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 service providers. Always check current travel information before booking.
Travel Tip
Combine train travel to Vicenza with a local taxi or bus to Monte Berico for the smoothest and most meaningful arrival — balancing comfort, accessibility, and pilgrimage tradition.
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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- List also other tours near the tour location ( Orvieto, Rome…etc )
Work With Us as a Tour Guide in Vicenza
We are seeking licensed tour guides to collaborate with us in sharing the faith, history, and cultural heritage of Vicenza and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monte Berico.
If you guide visitors through the Sanctuary of Monte Berico, the historic Portico pilgrimage route, Vicenza’s UNESCO-listed Palladian landmarks, or Marian and cultural sites across the Veneto region, we would love to connect with you.
Contact us.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.