Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sudore in Ravenna Cathedral: Faith, History, and Miracles
The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sudore, located within the majestic Ravenna Cathedral, is a place of deep devotion and rich history. It houses a wooden panel, a sacred image that has marked the city’s faith through the centuries, bearing witness to miraculous events and offering comfort in times of hardship.
The Sacred Image: A Work of Art Radiating Devotion
At the heart of the sanctuary lies a precious oil-painted panel, modest in size (32 x 18 cm, with a frame of 56 x 41 cm), dating back to the years 1350-1360. The work is attributed, with a high degree of plausibility, to the Rimini painter Giovanni Baronzio (died 1362), a prominent artist of the Italian Trecento. The depiction of the Madonna, despite its small size, radiates an emotional intensity that captures the gaze of the faithful, inviting prayer and reflection.
An Altar Steeped in History
The altar that hosts the image has a troubled and faith-filled history. Originally, a chapel dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul stood in this location. In 1494, Canon Matteo Tosetti, moved by deep devotion, replaced it with a chapel dedicated to the Madonna del Sudore, endowing it with funds to ensure its perpetuity. This marked the beginning of a devotion that would take deep root in the hearts of the people of Ravenna.
The Miracle of 1512: Tears of Blood for Ravenna
Devotion to the Madonna del Sudore surged following a miraculous event. During the sack of Ravenna in 1512 by French troops led by Gaston de Foix, the sacred image miraculously shed blood. This event, interpreted as a divine sign of suffering for the city’s misfortunes, greatly strengthened popular faith and gave rise to the name by which the Madonna is still venerated today.
According to some accounts, a sacrilegious soldier, in a fit of rage during a gambling game, even slashed the Madonna’s face with a knife, causing further bloodshed. This story, though dramatic, underscores the deep veneration the image inspired and the perception of the miracle as a tangible and real event.
The Plague of 1630 and the Solemn Vow
Another pivotal moment in the sanctuary’s history is linked to the terrible plague that struck Ravenna in 1630. The distressed populace fervently turned to the Madonna del Sudore, pledging to build a new and more splendid chapel if the city were spared. The grace was granted, and in gratitude, the city council promoted a collection of offerings for the chapel’s construction, a testament to the community’s thankfulness.
The New Chapel and the Solemn Coronation
Work on the new chapel began immediately, and in 1659, Archbishop Torreggiani solemnly consecrated the altar after placing within it the sarcophagi containing the relics of Saint Rainaldo and Saint Barbaziano, two saints particularly venerated in Ravenna. On May 25 of the same year, the image of the Madonna del Sudore was processionally transferred to the new chapel and crowned by the archbishop, an event that marked the pinnacle of devotion and the sanctuary’s consecration as a privileged place of worship.
A Sanctuary Through the Centuries
In 1734, when the ancient Ursiana Basilica was demolished to make way for the current cathedral, the two chapels of the Blessed Sacrament and the Madonna del Sudore were preserved and integrated into the new building. In 1742, during reconstruction work, the miraculous image was temporarily moved to the Church of San Girolamo—now no longer extant—before returning to its place of honor upon the work’s completion in 1745.
Indulgences and Pilgrimages: A Place of Grace and Mercy
The sanctuary’s fame grew steadily over the centuries, attracting pilgrims from far and wide. In 1759, on the centenary of the new chapel’s inauguration, Archbishop Guiccioli granted special indulgences to pilgrims, preached by Pietro Martire Bosio OP. The same occurred during the second centenary in 1859, a testament to the enduring vitality of the devotion and its importance to the Ravenna community.
A Spiritual and Artistic Journey
Visiting the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sudore offers not only an experience of faith but also an opportunity to admire a work of great artistic value and to immerse oneself in Ravenna’s history. One can almost sense the echoes of prayers, supplications, and thanksgivings that have risen in this place over the centuries. A careful observation might reveal hidden details of the panel, traces of ancient gilding or restorations that tell the story of the image. Consulting diocesan archives could further illuminate the miracles attributed to the Madonna del Sudore and reconstruct the faith stories that have shaped pilgrims’ lives.
The Guardian Saints of the Sanctuary
The sanctuary is linked to the memory of Saint Rainaldo and Saint Barbaziano, whose relics rest in the chapel. Saint Rainaldo, a Benedictine monk and bishop of Ravenna in the 7th century, was known for his charity and evangelizing work. Saint Barbaziano, bishop of Ravenna in the 5th century, is venerated for his fight against Arian heresy and his steadfast defense of orthodox faith. The presence of their relics adds another spiritual dimension to the sanctuary, connecting it to the history of the Ravenna Church.
Piazza Duomo, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy
