Sanctuary of the Queen of All Saints in San Ciriaco Cathedral: Faith, History, and Adventure in Ancona

The Cathedral of Ancona, dedicated to San Ciriaco, safeguards a treasure of faith and art: the Sanctuary of the Queen of All Saints. This sacred place, steeped in history and devotion, invites pilgrims not only to prayer but also on a fascinating journey to discover miraculous events and emblematic figures.

A Vanvitellian Jewel for the Queen of Heaven

The altar-temple housing the sacred image is a work of art in itself. Designed by the renowned architect Luigi Vanvitelli, it features an elegant cylindrical form, crowned by a finely decorated balustrade. The polychrome marbles adorning it shimmer under the light filtering through the cathedral’s stained glass, enhancing the solemnity of the space. The golden inscription on the architrave, “Regina Sanctorum Omnium” (Queen of All Saints), proclaims the Virgin’s heavenly royalty and her role as intercessor before God.

The Sacred Image: A Miraculous Ex-Voto

The heart of the sanctuary is a small oil painting on canvas (45 x 37 cm), depicting the Madonna in half-length. The artist remains unknown, but the work dates back to the early 17th century. The tenderness in the Virgin’s gaze and the delicacy of her facial features convey a sense of peace and protection. Its history is tied to a miraculous event: it is said that in 1615, a Venetian commander named Bortolo, in charge of a galley, donated the small painting as an ex-voto to thank the Madonna for miraculously saving his son during a terrible storm in the Adriatic Sea. A gesture of profound gratitude that gave rise to centuries of devotion.

San Ciriaco: The Martyr Patron Saint of Ancona

The sanctuary stands within the cathedral dedicated to San Ciriaco, a central figure in the city’s religious history. As Bishop of Jerusalem in the 4th century, Ciriaco suffered martyrdom during the persecutions of Diocletian. His relics, brought to Ancona, made him the city’s patron saint. The original proximity of the Madonna’s image to San Ciriaco’s altar led to its early designation as the “Madonna of San Ciriaco.” Delving into the life of San Ciriaco adds another layer of meaning to the sanctuary visit.

A Journey of Faith and History: The Sanctuary’s Vicissitudes

The history of the Sanctuary of the Queen of All Saints is marked by significant events that shaped its evolution and its bond with the Ancona community:

• 1615: Arrival of the image in the cathedral and initial placement in the crypt, near San Ciriaco’s altar.
• 1725: Temporary relocation to the right transept due to the growing number of devotees.
• 1739: Definitive placement on the altar created by Vanvitelli in the left transept.
• 1896: Solemn celebrations for the 1st Centenary of the Miracle.
• 1914: Celebrations for the centenary of the Coronation.
• 1936: Sacrilegious theft and recovery of the image in the Lazio countryside.
• 1937: New coronation in the presence of Archbishop Nasalli.
• 1947-1948: Peregrinatio Mariae, with the sacred image carried to all parishes of the archdiocese.
• 1951: Reinstallation of the image after the war-damaged cathedral was restored.
• 1972-1977: Closure of the cathedral due to an earthquake and peregrination of the image among the city’s churches.
• 1977: Reopening of the cathedral and return of the image to its altar.
• 1996: Bicentennial celebration of the ‘Miracle.’
• 1999: Visit of Pope John Paul II for the Cathedral’s Millennium.

Hidden Treasures and Adventurous Research

Beyond its religious significance, the Sanctuary of the Queen of All Saints also offers opportunities for a cultural “treasure hunt.” Once, the altar was surrounded by numerous ex-votos, paintings, and votive tablets, testaments to the gratitude of the faithful for received graces. Unfortunately, many of these items were lost due to war and earthquakes. However, by carefully observing the altar and surrounding walls, traces of this past can still be found—small clues that tell stories of faith and devotion. It might be interesting to ask the cathedral custodians if there are archives or documents preserving the memory of the lost ex-votos, virtually reconstructing this lost heritage.

Additionally, the figure of Bortolo, the Venetian commander who donated the image, could inspire deeper historical research. Who was this man? What was his story? What route did his galley follow? Answering these questions could enrich the understanding of the historical and cultural context in which the sanctuary originated.

Indulgences and Popular Devotion

In 1846, Pope Pius IX granted indulgences to those who participated in the celebrations honoring the Patroness. This gesture underscores the importance of the sanctuary and its image for the Ancona community. Even today, many faithful visit the cathedral to pray before the Madonna, entrusting her with their worries and thanking her for received graces. The popular devotion is palpable in the air—a spiritual energy that envelops the visitor.

Piazzale del Duomo, 9, 60121 Ancona, Italy