Santa Maria Greca – Corato

On the occasion of the feast of the Madonna Greca, after a complex process of restoration, it will be reopened to the crypt of the Shrine which houses the icon depicting the Madonna Greca (oil on panel). According to tradition, the effigy to the miraculous events that took place in 1656 and that have made ​​the protector of Corato.

Located in the historic center, the Diocesan Shrine of Santa Maria Greca is a valuable building that has for the city and for the Archdiocese of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie great importance in terms of historical, artistic and religious.

Throughout the ages, has been a place of pilgrimage related to Marian devotion. Since 1963, with the burial of the mortal remains of the Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta (which is in the process of beatification), the church has also become a destination for visitors from all over the world.

The growing number of visitors who are attracted to other artifacts of artistic present in it, has made ​​it increasingly necessary to adapt the facilities, services and spaces to the changing needs.

The building consists of an upper church and a crypt has been, over time, various changes, demolitions, reconstructions and additions to the present day.

The restoration was made ​​possible in part thanks to the financing of the fund 8xmille of the Catholic Church and the Financing of the Italian region of Puglia. Above all, however, must be counted the economic effort of so many parishioners who have generously contributed because this place was returned to the city for the benefit of all. A special thank you, I wish to extend to those who actually carried out the restoration. First in the designer and director of the work arch. Rosalia Lojodice, to the Company Co.me.st. Giuseppe Storelli and all the workers intervened with competence and generosity.

Sac. Sergio Pellegrini, pastor