Visiting the largest elliptical dome in the world, in Vicoforte

Magnificat, the name says it all.

It takes place in Vicoforte from April 23rd to October 30th 2016 and it involves climbing up and visiting the largest elliptical dome in the world, in the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, a Baroque masterpiece built between 1596 and 1733 to honor the Virgin Mary.

Magnificat will immerse visitors in a unique experience along a path in areas previously inaccessible to the public, through spiral staircases and ancient passageways only reserved to the workers, discovering panoramic views and picturesque views of the magnificent painted ceiling, 75 metres above the ground.

Through walkways, buttresses and cornices, step by step, visitors can trace the history of a centuries-old site, admire over 6,000 square meters of fresco and learn about the sophisticated modern technology that closely monitors the structural condition of a unique monument to art and faith.

The visit, in addition to full tour, also includes a shorter and more easily accessible path leading to the so-called "drum", the structure at the base of the dome.

In 2015, 22850 visitors admired this architectural masterpiece. Beside being the largest elliptical dome in the world, the Sanctuary of Vicoforte is the fifth largest dome in the world, the site of 600 years of Marian devotion, with 6.000 square metres of frescos and 266 steps.

Vicoforte is a municipality in the Province of Cuneo in Italy. It is located in Val Corsaglia at 547m (1,795 ft) above sea level, 32 km (20 mi) east of Cuneo and 6 km (3.7 mi) from Mondovì.

For more information: call 331 8490075 or info@magnificat-italia.com - www.magnificat-italia.com