The current building is characterized by a strong vertical thrust, created by the three ascending tiers that rise from the lowest—firmly anchored to the ground—to the highest, consisting of the dome and the upper part of the facade. The first tier features three doors with very simple framing, separated by sturdy pilasters; two niches are carved into the sides of the central pillars. The upper level, narrower in width, repeats the same architectural motifs as the first; the window pediment has slightly more decorative ambition. The third section rises with an attic crowned by a projecting pediment; four slender paired pyramidal turrets stand at the corners of the facade, further enhancing its height.
The temple’s floor plan is Greek cross-shaped, with the longitudinal arm significantly extended to accommodate and gather the faithful, while incorporating the crypt—located centrally and slightly sunken below floor level—into a unified whole. The crypt, though smaller in scale, mirrors the layout of the one in the Madonna di Caravaggio in Bergamo. This results in a dynamic, three-dimensional arrangement, rich in light contrasts and particularly elegant. The dome was added in 1844 based on a design by engineer Giuseppe Squassi, while the bell tower was completed in 1772.
**Description:** The painting reproduces the Madonna di Caravaggio and was created by the painter G.B. Scarpino. It depicts, in a rather simplified manner, Giannetta kneeling before the Virgin, surrounded by a halo of light, with the sanctuary visible in the background.
**In use since:** 1710
**Image:** Painting
**Notes on the collection:** Numerous ex-votos (linen-woven) were documented near the sacred image between 1707 and 1711 (before the construction of the actual sanctuary).
**Types of ex-votos:** Painted tablets, Goldsmithing objects
**Current preservation:** In the crypt
Two miracles, in particular, are tied to the sanctuary’s founding. The first dates back to 1709: a poor woman, long afflicted by illness, after spending much of her meager savings on doctors and medicine, began visiting the image of the Madonna daily and praying for healing. The Madonna soon restored her to full health.
The inhabitants of Codogno, following this miracle, vowed to keep an oil lamp perpetually lit before the Madonna’s image, competing to supply the oil. One winter evening between 1710 and 1711, some young men were playing cards in a stable called “del Lumicino,” very close to the chapel. The lamp suddenly went out due to lack of oil. One of them got up to fetch a light and headed to the Madonna’s chapel. He took the lit lamp, but as soon as he stepped outside the enclosure, it extinguished. He returned it, and it immediately relit. He took it again to bring it to the stable, and it went out once more. Frightened, he returned the lamp to its place, and it lit up again.
Before the sanctuary stood, an ancient image of the Virgin existed on the site. In 1707, the effigy painted on a wall at the crossroads was replaced by the image of the Madonna di Caravaggio, which quickly became an object of popular devotion. A small chapel was then built to protect the image and welcome the faithful. In 1711, following a visit by Bishop Ortensio Visconti, it was decided to construct a church in place of the small shrine.
On July 15, 1936, a bishop’s decree granted the church autonomy from the parish, officially elevating it to a sanctuary directly under the authority of the diocesan bishop.
Though the type of patronage of the sanctuary cannot be definitively determined, it is noted that on August 6, 1711, the bishop issued a decree addressed to Provost Rota, Knight Giuseppe Maria Dragoni, Orazio Mola, Giuseppe Cremonesi, and Messrs. Bassiano Ferrari, Bernardino Dragoni, and Giovanni B. Dragoni. Stating that the collection and management of offerings required a committee of exemplary Christian conduct and impeccable honesty, he appointed the named individuals as deputies and custodians—both of the sacred image and the offerings made by the faithful for the new church’s construction. They were to report on the administration to him and his successors.
Via Adda, 26845 Codogno LO, Italy
