Santuario di Santa Maria Valverde

The church which looks over the hamlets of Pezza and Purano in Marano di Valpolicella goes back to the 12th century and probably sits on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Minerva.

The modern church which you see today was established in 1682, as the inscription above the main Baroque altar bears witness to. Inside, the church has a venerated and miraculous wooden statue, dating from the year 1516, of the Madonna with hands joined and a baby resting on her knees.

The most solemn festival that is celebrated here is the Feast of Saint Mark, on the Sunday following April 25, which begins with the observation of the triduum (a 3-day series of prayers before a feast), and finishes with a solemn procession around Monte Castelon to pray for protection of the crops. An interesting detail in this church is the Roman Cross floor plan with its three naves and three apses.

HOW TO GET THERE

Once in the hamlet of Pezza, just above Marano di Valpolicella and easily reachable from there via Strada Provinciale, from the main square you can take the path (via del Santuario), on foot or by car, surrounded by nature which in short time will lead to the Sanctuary and its breathtaking panorama.