Madonna dei Miracoli

The Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Miracoli stands in Motta di Livenza, a small town in the province of Treviso. It is a Catholic place of worship built after a reported Marian apparition in 1510, when an elderly man named Giovanni Cigana claimed to see the Virgin Mary. The event led to the construction of the church, completed in just three years under the guidance of the Franciscan friar Francesco Zorzi. In 1875, Pope Pius IX elevated it to the status of a minor basilica. The sanctuary remains a frequent destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual solace. The basilica is recognised as an important example of 16th-century architecture, blending simple forms with harmonious details. Its façade features semicircular elements, a crystal rosone, and statues, while the portico was added later. The interior reflects architectural influences from Venice, particularly the churches of Santa Maria del Carmine and San Michele. Critics such as John McAndrew have noted its Codussian character, comparing it to Venetian Renaissance designs. A painting by Francesco Fontebasso inside the church depicts the original town layout, including the castle and early churches. Visitors find a serene atmosphere with a well-preserved Renaissance structure. The basilica’s interior includes a cloister with arched walkways and a notable fresco showing the original façade. The painting *L’Apparizione* captures the 1510 event in vivid detail. Nearby, the town retains traces of its medieval past, with references to early churches and fortifications. The harmony of the design and the spiritual significance make it a place of quiet reflection.