Rho is home to one of Lombardy’s most significant Marian pilgrimage sites: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows. And here’s an interesting fact: it boasts 10 beautiful bells that delight the city with their melodies.
Discover more about this Marian sanctuary and its stunning bells. If you’re curious to dive deeper into its history, come and visit.
This sanctuary is a vital piece of Rho’s history, and if you’re traveling here, it’s a must-see!
The history of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows
Located near the Sempione, the ancient road connecting Milan to Gaul, the sanctuary has a rich and fascinating history. It was built on the site of a small chapel dedicated to the Madonna of the Snows.
The sanctuary was designed in 1583 by Pellegrino Tibaldi, the chief architect for St. Charles Borromeo.
Why was the sanctuary built here? On April 24, 1583, some residents of Rho witnessed the Virgin Mary, depicted in the chapel, shedding tears of blood. This miraculous event led Archbishop Carlo Borromeo, after thorough evaluation, to commission the construction of the sanctuary as a tangible sign of Marian devotion.
The first stone was laid by Borromeo himself on March 6, 1584, just a few months before his death. The sanctuary was consecrated in 1755 by Archbishop Giuseppe Pozzobonelli, who oversaw the basilica’s completion. The cupola was designed by Carlo Giuseppe Merlo, the bell tower by Giulio Galliori, and the facade was finished by Leopoldo Pollack at the turn of the 19th century.
This place of worship is not just an important religious site but also a historical and cultural symbol of the region.
The bell tower and its ten bells
The sanctuary’s construction was officially completed in 1888, when an impressive set of ten bells was installed in the tower, which had reached a height of 75 meters by 1759. Initially, an eight-bell set was planned, tuned to the A major diatonic scale. However, the number of bells was later increased to ten.
The bells were cast on October 29, 1887, in three phases:
- The first phase included the six smaller bells.
- The second phase involved the largest bell (La2) and the seventh bell (Re3).
- The final phase produced the eighth (Do#3) and ninth (Si2) bells.
This entire bell ensemble was donated by Oblate priest Father Francesco Belvisi, who personally selected the inscriptions engraved on each bell.
During the Pontifical Mass led by Cardinal Oscar Cantoni in 2022 for the Feast of Christ the King, the bells delivered celestial melodies, inviting everyone to reflect on the profound connection between music, culture, and spirituality.
To relive the beauty of this performance, watch the video on YouTube and immerse yourself in the sounds and atmosphere that only a sacred place like this can offer.
Plan your visit
Every corner and detail of this place of worship deserves admiration. Organize your visit today!
Explore more of Rho
Want to see other attractions in Rho? Be enchanted by the Alfa Romeo Museum. For all the details, check out “The Time Machine: the Alfa Romeo Museum and Rho’s automotive roots.”
