Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei, Pompei (must see)

The Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei, also known in Italian as the Pontificio Santuario della Beata Vergine del Santo Rosario di Pompei, is a significant Roman Catholic cathedral, Marian pontifical shrine, and minor basilica established by Bartolo Longo.

Initially constructed between 1876 and 1891 according to a Latin cross layout by Antonio Cua, the original building covered an area of only 420 square meters (about 4,500 square feet). The construction of the front facade, designed by Giovanni Rispoli, commenced on May 15, 1893. The facade is adorned with a statue of the Virgin of the Rosary, sculpted by Gaetano Chiaromonte from a single block of Carrara marble, weighing 18,000 kilograms (around 40,000 pounds), and standing at 3.25 meters (approximately 10.7 feet). Below the statue are inscribed the words "PAX" and the year "MCMI" (1901).

In response to the growing number of pilgrims, the sanctuary underwent expansion from one to three aisles between 1934 and 1939, while retaining its original Latin cross design. This expansion, overseen by Prelate Antonio Anastasio Rossi and designed by architect-priest Monsignor Spirito Maria Chiapetta, resulted in a new structure covering 2,000 square meters (about 22,000 square feet), capable of accommodating up to 6,000 individuals. Each new aisle is furnished with three altars on each side.

The focal point of the sanctuary is the painting of "Our Lady of the Rosary," presented to pilgrims on the main altar within a bronze gilt frame. This venerated painting portrays the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus offering rosaries to Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena. Originally acquired by Dominican priest Alberto Radente in Naples for eight carlini, it was later gifted to Bartolo Longo on November 13, 1875, for inclusion in the church he was constructing in Pompei.

The painting underwent several restoration attempts, notably by an amateur in February 1876 and by the renowned Italian painter Federico Madlarelli in 1880, before receiving final restoration by Vatican artists in 1965.

Bartolo Longo authored the "Novena of Petition" in July 1879, personally testing it while battling typhoid fever. Inspired by a daily vision of the miraculous portrait of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Novena was initially dedicated in Pompei.

The complete Prayer involves daily recitation of at least three decades (three sets of mysteries) of the Rosary followed by the Novena, lasting a total of 54 days without interruption.

The 80-meter (about 260-foot) bell tower, constructed between 1912 and 1925, was designed by Aristide Leonori, with assistance from his brother Pio Leonori.