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Madonna della Quercia Sanctuary: A Treasure of Faith and Art in the Heart of Italy

Nestled in the greenery of the Viterbo countryside, the Madonna della Quercia Sanctuary stands as a beacon of faith and spirituality. A place where history, art, and miracles intertwine, offering visitors a unique and evocative experience. This sanctuary, with roots dating back to the 15th century, houses a sacred image of the Madonna and Child, which has become the focus of deep popular devotion.

The Origins: A Miracle Among the Oaks

The sanctuary’s history is tied to a miraculous event that occurred in July 1467. Legend has it that a knight from Viterbo, pursued by enemies, took refuge at the foot of an oak tree on which hung a painted tile depicting the Virgin Mary. Miraculously, the knight became invisible to his pursuers, marking the beginning of the devotion to the Madonna della Quercia.

According to tradition, in 1417, Master Battista Luzzante commissioned the painter Monetto to create an image of the Madonna and Child on a flat tile. This tile was then hung on an oak tree, becoming the focal point of popular devotion.

From Chapel to Sanctuary: A Journey of Faith

The growing influx of pilgrims prompted ecclesiastical authorities to erect the first chapel in 1467, authorized by Pope Paul II. In 1469, the Order of Dominican Preachers decided to incorporate the chapel into a larger complex. The work was completed in 1577, and on April 8 of the same year, the new sanctuary was consecrated.

Over the centuries, the sanctuary underwent several transformations. At the end of the 19th century, architect Busiri Vici radically altered its original structure, constructing an apse and demolishing the original church walls. Fortunately, in 1970, major restoration work was carried out to restore the sanctuary to its original appearance.

Artistic and Spiritual Treasures: A Journey into Beauty

The Madonna della Quercia Sanctuary is not only a place of worship but also a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and frescoes that bear witness to the sanctuary’s rich history and deep devotion to the Madonna.

Of particular interest is the ex-voto museum, located in a space adjacent to the left nave. Here, over two hundred ex-votos are displayed, dating from the late 15th century to the mid-19th century, including painted tablets, goldsmith works, and various objects. These items serve as tangible evidence of the miracles and graces received by the faithful through the intercession of the Madonna della Quercia.

Adventurous Research Ideas

For the more curious and adventurous visitors, the Madonna della Quercia Sanctuary also offers some intriguing research topics:

• The story of the original tile: What happened to the tile painted by Monetto in the 15th century? Is it still preserved in the sanctuary, or has it been lost over the centuries?
• The secrets of the ex-votos: Each ex-voto tells a story of faith and suffering. Delving into the history of some of these objects can reveal fascinating details about the lives and beliefs of past devotees.
• Architectural transformations: Comparing images of the sanctuary before and after the modifications by Busiri Vici can help understand the evolution of religious architecture over the centuries.

Useful Visitor Information

The Madonna della Quercia Sanctuary is easily accessible by car from Viterbo. The sanctuary is open daily, and admission is free. For information on mass times and religious celebrations, it is advisable to contact the local parish.

Fun fact: In 1920, the sanctuary became a parish under the Diocese of Viterbo and was assigned its own priest. Pope Pius V, through a decree in 1567, removed lay patronage and entrusted the sanctuary to the Dominicans.

Historical Sources

To delve deeper into the history of the Madonna della Quercia Sanctuary, we recommend consulting the following publications:

• Carosi – Ciprini, Gli ex voto di Santa Maria della Quercia, Viterbo 1992.
• Malanotte, Miracoli e gratie della Madonna della Quercia di Viterbo raccolti da più libri stampati in Viterbo, Orvieto e Perugia, Viterbo 1666.
• Peroni, Miracoli e gratie della Madonna della Quercia, Viterbo 1685.
• Atanasio Nelli, Origine della Madonna della Quercia di Viterbo, Viterbo 1571.

01100 Viterbo, Province of Viterbo, Italy