LORETO (part II): Four million pilgrims can't be wrong

EVEN ON THIS RAINY DAY the town is full of people.

Only upon a closer look do you realize that the large group gathered under the portico of the building next to the basilica is made up of people partaking in a UNITALSI pilgrimage.

UNITALSI, one of the oldest Italian pilgrimage organizations was founded in 1903 with the aim of helping the ill visit religious locations of significance.

Within the Basilica of Loreto lies one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Italy - The Holy House of Loreto.

A personal favorite of Pope John Paul II, the small structure is believed to be the actual home of the holy family, the place where Jesus was conceived.

Because of the mystical occurrences surrounding the House, Loreto is also considered to be a location for those hoping to recover from illnesses.

The Holy House of Loreto is partially famus for the myth behind the moving to its current location. In 1263 the Holy Land in the Middle East was taken over by Islam. It is then said that angels came in 1291 and flew the house to Dalmatia, now Croatia, where it was revealed to be the home of Mary.

Three years later angels moved it to what is now the town of Loreto.

The Holy House of Loreto consists of single room with an alter containing a Black Madonna statue. The ceiling is blue with gold stars. In 1469 the giant, ornate Basilica was built over the Holy House. The Basilica has since been renovated numerous times.

Today Loreto, which overlooks the sea, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Europe, with an estimated 4 million visitors arriving each year.

- Berit Baugher