The largest elliptical dome in the world
A few kilometres from Mondovì, in the village of Vicoforte, the Sanctuary of the Nativity of Mary, known as the Regina Montis Regalis, holds a record: its dome is the largest elliptical dome in the world, with axes of about 37 by 25 metres, and one of the largest domes of any kind, after those of St Peter's, the Pantheon and Florence cathedral. The sanctuary was built from 1596 at the wish of Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy, on the site of a small pillar with a fresco of the Virgin, which according to tradition had begun to bleed when a hunter accidentally hit it with an arrow, and became the destination of crowds of pilgrims.
The project, by the architect Ascanio Vitozzi, was intended to become the mausoleum of the Savoy family, but the works continued for almost two centuries, and the dome was completed only in 1733 by Francesco Gallo. Its interior is entirely covered by an immense fresco, about 6,000 square metres, by Mattia Bortoloni and Felice Biella, one of the largest single painted surfaces in the world, depicting the glory of the Virgin. Today you can climb above the dome with the "Magnificat" route, a guided walk with harnesses along the external and internal walkways, up to the lantern at 60 metres, with breathtaking views of the fresco from above and of the Alps. Inside, the tomb of Charles Emmanuel I is preserved.
Tip: the climb to the dome must be booked and is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo; the guided tour lasts about an hour and a half.
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