Santuario di Santa Maria di Galloro

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Galloro stands along the Appian road between Ariccia and Genzano. Its origins are associated with devotion to a Marian image near the road, around which a church was built in the seventeenth century.

Why it matters

Construction began in 1624 under the patronage of Paolo Savelli, with the approval of Pope Urban VIII. The shrine became closely connected to Ariccia's religious history, especially after the town attributed its survival during the 1656 plague to the Madonna di Galloro. Pope Alexander VII later renewed the building under Chigi patronage.

What to notice

The church has a single nave in a Latin-cross plan with six side chapels. The high altar's aedicule, built between 1627 and 1630 with funding from Cardinal Carlo Emmanuele Pio di Savoia, shelters the image of the Madonna di Galloro. The façade, realised in 1662, is attributed to Bernini's circle. A painting by Szymon Czechowicz and relics of Saint Clement, transferred to the altar in 1716, reflect later layers of devotion.

Context and history

The image's veneration preceded the sanctuary. A small chapel was built around 1623, followed by the church begun the next year. The first stone was laid by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Deti, and the building was consecrated in 1633. Alexander VII later entrusted the façade and interior decoration to Bernini, and re-consecrated the church in 1665. The sanctuary's custodianship changed over time; it has been cared for directly by the Diocese of Albano since 2004.