Visit Pompeii Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary Shrine

The papal Pompeii Shrine is one of the most important Virgin Mary shrines in Italy, a pilgrimage site where believers go to ask for favors, pray and  release from vows. 

The construction of the Pompeii shrine begun in 1876 thanks to a fundraising that involved believers from all around the world. It was first designed by Antonio Cua, later replaced by Giovanni Rispoli, and was named papal cathedral by Pope Leone XIII in the early years of the 20th century. 

The structure is a Latin cross plan, with three naves rich in frescoes, works of art, statues, marble objects. The gem is the Madonna del Rosario con il Bambino (Virgin Mary of the Rosary with the Baby) painting, bought by Bartolo Longo and related to several miracles, that turned the shrine into a pilgrimage site. 

The shrine’s museum keeps all the charity and the former vows made by believers, such as lock of hair, wedding dresses, silver and gold objects, corals, ivory, ceramics and valuables.

In May, many believers go on a pilgrimage walk to the Pompeii shrine. People leave from Salerno, or the Agro-Nocerino area towns, or the Vesuvius National Park and walk up to the square in front of the shrine. As it is a very long walk, people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases should not walk this pilgrimage. 

These pilgrimages are organized by the parishes in Salerno and Napoli and people use to walk at night so as to reach the shrine early in the morning. During the walk people pray with a rosary. 

The supplication to the Virgin Mary of Pompeii is on May 8th, the day the construction of the shrine begun.