Before the basilica, there was a chapel.
In the year 1500 a figure showing the Virgin Mary milking baby Jesus was painted on the façade of the building.
The image immediately became a subject of worship and attracted a large number of pilgrims. In order to control the flow of pilgrims, a fence was built, which the church later erected over the chapel was named after: Santa Maria or Madonna della Steccata (St. Mary of the Fence).
Today the religious image is found above the altar of the Basilica, giving visitors the occasion to also view the beautiful sacristy, a masterpiece of woodworking.
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