The Sanctuary of Santa Maria Incoronata from appearance to construction (arch. Luigi Vagnetti)

The sanctuary is located 7km east of Foggia in Puglia, in the place where tradition says that in 1001 an apparition of the Virgin Mary occurred. It is said that a noble count of Ariano Irpino (AV) during a hunting trip, after having wounded a deer found it lying under a large oak, upon approaching to capture it, he saw the oak shrouded in a strong glow, like flashes of fire that seemed to burn it, in the light appeared to the Virgin Mary who told him: “Do not be afraid, I am the Mother of God, I want a chapel to be erected here, to be venerated by the faithful. I will make this place famous with the graces that I will grant to those who will invoke me in front of this image with a sincere and filial heart”. Subsequently, as a sign of gratitude for a favour received, the Count of Ariano erected a small chapel, which later, considered the number of people, was entrusted to Basilian monks who, over time, enlarged it, annexing a convent to it. The Sanctuary is surrounded by a large forest that takes the name of Bosco dell’Incoronata, the building is full of citations, from the architectures of the Italian architectural tradition, and specifically from Puglia, to the most authoritative of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The formal approach is organic, probably in reference to the local architectural tradition, while the aspect is monumental. The designer has made an effort to make his architecture look traditional, while at the same time using completely new materials such as concrete.