Our Lady of the Woods 2
Montemilone, Italy (13th ¢.)
The Shrine of the Glorious Virgin was built on the slopes of a hill, about 400 meters above sea level, at the behest of the Basilian monks, who preferred to raise their convents and shrines on the banks of rivers or on the mountain ranges, with the intention to raise the spirit to heaven.
The church was built starting in 1187 and finished in 1189.
The statue in the church depicts the Virgin seated on a throne holding the Divine Child tightly to her chest.
The peculiar characteristics of the statue and, particularly the crowns of the Virgin and Child, show a French influence as well as he clothing being distinctly Byzantine.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
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