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The Holy Town of Loreto

On the occasion of my birthday today, I want to share about the holy town of Loreto in Le Marche. One of the most important pilgrimage town in Italy, it attracts over 4 million visitors every year!! It also holds the Holy House of Mary of Nazareth believed to have flown from Palestine by four angels. Although I am neither a Catholic nor religious enough to know more than this, Loreto is the mecca for Catholics in simple terms- the Holy town of Italy!

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This town had more tourists than anywhere else in Marche


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Loreto: Pretty details


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Loreto: I’d like to go here next time


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Loreto: The imposing basilica

The main site to see in Loreto is its basilica made in Gothic and Renaissance style. It will stop you dead in your tracks because it is simply breath-taking!

The basilica has been designed by many notable architects such as Baccio Pontelli, Giuliano da Sangallo and Giovanni Ghioldi.

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Loreto: Piazza della Madonna


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Loreto: An evening stroll or Passeggiata


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Loreto: piazza is HUGE!

The piazza with the basilica is enormous and equally beautiful! There are handicraft shops selling intricate woodwork and kitchen products and a few bars worth peeking into. A very old shop selling delicious pizza is right opposite the basilica and makes a great option for a quick lunch or dinner.

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Loreto


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Loreto: Tourist free after 6


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Loreto


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Loreto: Fontana Maggiore


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Empty Loreto


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Loreto’s Dome is inspired by Filippo Brunelleschi

Loreto is a historic city of Le Marche that should not be missed.

How to Reach:

The erratic nature of public transport and sometimes the lack of it altogether, makes it impossible to see this region unless you must have a car. I say that in every post not to deter you but to make you aware of this shortcoming. Had it not been for DiscoverMarche I don’t know how I would have traveled across this region!!

Further Reading:

83 Comments

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  • equinoxio21
    November 20, 2017 at 6:07 am

    Thank you for the tour… Grazie mille.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      November 20, 2017 at 9:35 pm

      So happy you enjoyed!

      Reply
  • Artisans Galleria
    November 14, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    love from pakistan.

    Reply
  • Calysta Hannah
    November 6, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    Lovely photos… 😍

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    • Ishita
      December 3, 2017 at 7:55 pm

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  • earnestlydebra
    October 6, 2017 at 6:00 am

    Such a nice peaceful excursion for this afternoon… imagining the Cappuccino. Beautiful pictures.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      October 6, 2017 at 12:06 pm

      It was a beautiful day and just 15 minutes from where I stayed 🙂

      Reply
  • The Holy Town of Loreto – Discovermarche
    October 6, 2017 at 5:46 am

    […] Source: The Holy Town of Loreto […]

    Reply
  • Un po' di pepe
    September 24, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    Buon compleanno in ritardo! Auguri, Cristina

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    • Ishita
      September 24, 2017 at 7:24 pm

      Grazie Cristina 🙂

      Reply
  • Bellewether
    September 18, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Happy (belated) birthday Ishita! I love the terrace you found to have your cappuccino with a view – looks great 🙂

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    • Ishita
      September 18, 2017 at 8:15 pm

      Thank you dear 🙂 It was a lovely lil Bar.

      Reply
  • bellacibo72
    September 15, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    This is absolutely beautiful! I love everything about Italy, now that I don’t live there anymore I appreciate more every single corner!

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    • Ishita
      September 15, 2017 at 8:50 pm

      I hear that from lot of Italians who don’t live there. It’s always good to realize your country’s true potential.

      Reply
  • Kelly
    September 14, 2017 at 9:51 pm

    It’s so true that some of the best hidden gems are only accessible by car. I think I’ll never be able to stop exploring Italy! Little towns like these are my favorite.

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    • Ishita
      September 14, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Very well put. Never stop exploring Italy is our motto 😀 haha. I hope we can travel more and meet up soon, Kelly.

      Reply
  • Vanessa Gregoria
    September 13, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Happy Birthday, lovely post 🙂

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    • Ishita
      September 13, 2017 at 11:12 am

      Thank you Vanessa 🙂

      Reply
  • HelsinkiBudapest
    September 13, 2017 at 4:47 am

    Happy belated birthday! This is absolutely beautiful. And honestly, I really don’t think you have to be Catholic to appreciate the beauty and splendor. But it is fascinating to see how holy sites affect all kinds of people. I was raised partially Catholic and holy places, no matter the denomination, have always fascinated me. Then, again, I’ve done a post on my beliefs a while back.

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    • Ishita
      September 13, 2017 at 11:13 am

      Thank you so much! Oh yes but what I meant was I have no clue about the religious beliefs in this case. Agree.

      Reply
  • Anabel Marsh
    September 12, 2017 at 7:03 pm

    Happy birthday (for yesterday!)

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    • Ishita
      September 13, 2017 at 11:13 am

      Grazie Anabel.

      Reply
  • Art We Wonderful
    September 12, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    Happy Birthday, Ishita! Hope you have another travel-filled year!
    I love how you write about the “other” gems of Italy! The Loreto Basilica is so incredible, and houses one of my favourite fresco cycles on the ceiling of the Sacristy of St. Mark – the 8 angels and prophets of Melozzo da Forli. Looking forward to more of your stories!

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    • Ishita
      September 13, 2017 at 11:14 am

      Thank you so much dear 🙂 so kind of you! have you sketched this place?? It will be so cool. .I’ve never seen it in your posts so thought of asking.

      Reply
  • Questa Dolce Vita (@questadolcevita)
    September 12, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    Happy happy belated birthday!!! Kisses!

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    • Ishita
      September 13, 2017 at 11:15 am

      Grazie tanto cara. Un abbraccio 😘😘

      Reply
  • amindfultravellerblog
    September 12, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    Happy Birthday lovely. Hope you are having a wonderful day.
    Your posts always make me miss Bella Italia…..buona giornata bellisima. XX

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    • Ishita
      September 13, 2017 at 11:15 am

      Grazie Lorelle. So sweet of you. I’m glad I can take you there. Stay tuned for the next one. You will love it so xx

      Reply
  • ejsna
    September 12, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Happy birthday, Ishita. May you have many more happy returns…!

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    • Ishita
      September 13, 2017 at 11:15 am

      Many thanks Ejsna 😘

      Reply
  • Tanja
    September 12, 2017 at 1:16 pm

    tanti auguri di buon compleanno! x

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 1:19 pm

      grazie cara 🙂

      Reply
  • discovermarche
    September 12, 2017 at 11:28 am

    Mia cara Ishita, now I’m a little bit sad because I’m thinking of that day and and I’m also thinking of our laugh and chat and…everything. It has been a great adventure we had that week and I never regret the moment we decided to do it together.
    We are all missing you!
    Un forte abbraccio

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 11:29 am

      Me too 🙁 It was such a beautiful day. I really miss all the fun we had together. Hoping to return soon. Un abbraccio a te!

      Reply
  • Sudhir Chauhan
    September 12, 2017 at 11:26 am

    first of all belated happy birthday to you….. God bless you…. keep smiling always…. those captures are beautiful…

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  • ThisTaraf
    September 12, 2017 at 11:26 am

    Happy Birthday! Really nice post 🙂

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 11:28 am

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Reply
  • Travel Happy
    September 12, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Happy birthday! And thanks for sharing this. I’ve never been to Italy or to any pilgrimage, and this one looks like something that we can visit one of these days.
    – Amor

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 10:33 am

      Thank you Amor 🙂 It took me a short while to walk around this town. worth it.

      Reply
  • shreyasrivastava3
    September 12, 2017 at 8:52 am

    Happy birthday! Another great post too!

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 10:33 am

      Thanks girl! 🙂

      Reply
  • karenincalabria
    September 12, 2017 at 8:19 am

    Happy Birthday, Ishita! It’s still your birthday here in the US, but I’ll add Happy Day-After-Your-Birthday for your time zone!

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 10:33 am

      Haha thank you dear Karen. I hope we can meet someday in Calabria 😉

      Reply
  • Mayur
    September 12, 2017 at 7:56 am

    Happy birthday to you,
    Tum jiyo hajaro sal aur sal ke din ho 50 hajar.
    Enjoy this day & where the party is?

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 10:34 am

      Thanks Mayur 🙂 Happened in a lot of places. And regarding your question on Instagram, I am not the right person to tell you about the job scenario in Italy. Read forums on it. Or contact a local.

      Reply
      • Mayur
        September 12, 2017 at 10:55 am

        Oh
        U remembered, thank
        Kismat ki bat he
        Enjoy this day

        Reply
  • Budget Traveler
    September 12, 2017 at 4:37 am

    such a a very beautiful place. Italy has all it has to be called beautiful. I#ve been in Venice and I was awestrucked when I did the gondola tour…. and this place Loreta is truely anotgher must see place in Italy.

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 10:34 am

      I know right?? Gondola tour is amazing its a pity its so disneyland like in Venice now.

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  • fkasara
    September 12, 2017 at 2:58 am

    Lovely pictures! <3 And yeah, sadly several places are not easy to reach through public transportation 🙁 It's true that it's not a "flat" country and we have Apennines and Alps which are not easy to pass, but I would like a more efficent system of public transportation :/

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 3:22 am

      Thank you 😄 yeah I think I rarely saw a bus ..maybe in Ancona but not anywhere else.

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    • Ishita
      September 14, 2017 at 6:40 pm

      Sara, thanks for your thoughts again. Very curious to know how is the bus system in Veneto?? Especially if I ever plan to see the smaller towns

      Reply
      • fkasara
        September 14, 2017 at 7:06 pm

        Eh, it can be quite tricky moving around Veneto with the bus…mainly because there are several bus companies (which still don’t allow you to pay your bus ride through apps and it’s difficult to find the tickets) and the towns often are not that well connected between them (mainly because of the roads and the morphology of the territory). But it also depends on the towns you want to visit. Some of them even have the train station or are easily reachable by bus, others are quite remote. For example Bassano del Grappa is quite easy to reach, Asolo not so much imo.
        For this reason I have just started to fill in a page called “italy through public transportation” in my blog to help people understand how to move around.
        When and if you plan to come, just ask and I’ll try to help you 🙂

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        • Ishita
          September 14, 2017 at 10:15 pm

          Oh dear similar to Marche I think. Well yes you are the person I will ask 😉 And trouble lol. I want to see the main towns of Veneto first the bigger ones like Padua, Vicenza etc and then make my way to places like Asolo. Maybe we can meet there!

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          • fkasara
            September 14, 2017 at 10:23 pm

            Definitely! That would be awesome! 👍❤

            Reply
  • Life Is A Journey
    September 12, 2017 at 2:23 am

    Wonderful post. I am visiting Italy next year and your posts will help me to plan my trip. Happy Birthday. I hope you had a great day.

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 3:21 am

      Wonderful to know. Where in Italy are you going?? Thank you for the birthday wishes ✨😄

      Reply
  • Lyn
    September 12, 2017 at 1:12 am

    I had a short visit here years ago. It was truly lovely. Thanks for the memories. Happy birthday Ishita x

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 3:21 am

      😄 thank you Lyn. Big hug xx

      Reply
  • Manja Mexi Movie
    September 12, 2017 at 1:03 am

    Yeah! I wish you the happiest of birthdays and plenty of such towns, gelato, and Italy in your future! Cin cin e tanti auguri! <3

    Reply
    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 3:20 am

      Grazie mille cara mia 😘 thank you for the lovely wish 😄🍷✨🍰

      Reply
  • An Englishwoman in Italy
    September 12, 2017 at 12:21 am

    So glad you made it to Loreto! In fact scholars have shown that the Holy House actually did come from Jesus’s homeland, and they suggest it was brought by ship.BTW glad you liked my various posts on Cagli, Romanesque churches and Marchigiane libraries. Did you ever get to Cagli? it can be pretty quiet too. Tourists would love these towns, especially as they aren’t oppressively crowded to say the least! Anything we can do to encourage visitors …

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    • fkasara
      September 12, 2017 at 2:52 am

      True! They discovered that that home used to be worshipped in the Holy Land as the “house of Miriam” ( =house of Mary) and they have recently found documents showing that a family called Angeli financed the transport of the Holy House to Italy. That’s how they could sell the story of “angels transporting the house to Italy”…they did actually, as “angeli” means angels in Italian 😉

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      • Ishita
        September 12, 2017 at 3:22 am

        Wow that’s just amazing! 😉

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        • fkasara
          September 12, 2017 at 3:24 am

          It’s funny to see what a pun can do, eheh

          Reply
      • An Englishwoman in Italy
        September 12, 2017 at 3:37 am

        Yes indeed, and they have analysed the earth used in building the Holy House and discovered that it comes from the Holy Land.

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 3:20 am

      Very intrigued! No I didn’t.. This time I could only see most of the must see cities and towns. I’m still left with Urbino and Ascoli. Next time! Loved your posts.

      Reply
      • An Englishwoman in Italy
        September 12, 2017 at 3:32 am

        I hope I’ve persuaded you to visit Corinaldo next time.

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        • Ishita
          September 12, 2017 at 3:42 am

          You have 🙂 I would love to meet up next time..pity it didn’t connect well this time

          Reply
  • Darlene
    September 12, 2017 at 12:00 am

    Have a wonderful Birthday!!

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    • Ishita
      September 12, 2017 at 3:18 am

      Grazie Darlene 🙋

      Reply
  • brilliantviewpoint
    September 11, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    Happy Birthday! Beautiful post on Italy.

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    • Ishita
      September 11, 2017 at 10:40 pm

      Thank you dear!! 🙂

      Reply

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