Sanctuary of Madonna della Consolazione
A modern circular church at Borgo Maggiore, built in the 1960s.
Updated 3 September 2026
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Consolazione at Borgo Maggiore was built between 1961 and 1967 to a design by Giovanni Michelucci, a circular concrete and stone building with a sweeping roof that is entirely unlike anything else in the republic and stands out sharply against the medieval fabric above it. It was consecrated in the presence of the regents and remains an active parish church. Michelucci also designed the church of San Giovanni Battista on the Autostrada del Sole, which is the building he is best known for.
The main sights
- The Michelucci design - a modernist circular church by a major Italian architect.
- The sweeping roof - the form that makes the building distinctive.
- The contrast - modern architecture below a medieval hill town.
- The interior - the circular plan the congregation is arranged around.
When to go
April to October is the main season. The church is generally open outside services. Services take priority.
Things to know
The building divides opinion sharply against its medieval surroundings. The interior is plain. It is a working parish church and access depends on services.
Nearby
Borgo Maggiore is around it, and the cable car is nearby.
What to pack for Sanctuary of Madonna della Consolazione
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
