Santuario di Monte Grisa
Spirituality and outstanding view
About this place
In 1959, the “Pilgrimage of the Statue of Our Lady of Fátima” took place in 92 Italian cities. The pilgrim Madonna also passed through Trieste, and two days after her passage, the foundation stone of the Shrine was laid on Mount Grisa. The temple was dedicated to Mary and consecrated as a symbol of peace and unity among all peoples. From then until today the Marian shrine is a pilgrimage destination, both from Italy and Slovenia, which is only 10 km away.
The shrine is also a very interesting destination because of its distinctive architecture, formed by two churches stacked on top of each other to compose a large M of Mary. The property overlooks the Gulf of Trieste, of which it offers a splendid view.
The temple is easily accessible by car, public transportation or by a walk on the “Napoleonic” street.
- Location: Trieste (TS)
- Height 330 m
- Free parking: yes
- Free visitable: yes
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Why visit it
01.
The view of the Gulf of Trieste
Splendid is the view of the Gulf of Trieste from the sanctuary terrace. It is ideal to admire the coastline from Muggia to Miramare Castle on a summer day, with the always breezy weather on the mountain.
02.
The architecture of the church
There is no place in Trieste from which one cannot glimpse this temple with its very special architecture, the work of engineer Antonio Guacci. The concrete structure is imposing and shaped like a giant M.
03.
The scenic trails
The shrine is located on the top of Mount Grisa, surrounded by a forest full of paths with many scenic spots. The best known, the “Napoleonica,” offers several views and passes by the Vedetta Italia, a turret from which splendid views can be seen.
The interior of the sanctuary
The sanctuary consists of two overlapping churches, the Lower and Upper churches. Each church has a separate entrance, but inside they are connected by a staircase.
The structure is very distinctive, a fascinating architectural space with large volumes and high walls. The upper church is very bright thanks to the glass walls, which are molded in a honeycomb pattern with hexagonal elements. The lower church is less bright and seems to encourage silence and prayer.
The shrine contains Marcello Mascherini’s striking bronze crucifix on wood.
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Trails and viewpoints
The area surrounding the shrine is rich in trails that allow visitors to admire the Karst landscapes and observe karst phenomena.
The best known is the loop route from the Opicina Obelisk. This is an easy trail, which can be walked in 2 hours, and offers magnificent viewpoints, glimpses of the coast and views of Miramare Castle. The path, called the Napoleonica, is actually, the Vicentina Road that connects Opicina and Prosecco. From Prosecco, you can reach the shrine by diverting to CAI path 12, which allows you to reach first the Vedetta Italia, a masonry building that offers a spectacular view, and then the shrine terrace. From here, the view sweeps over the entire gulf and Slovenia, Croatia, Grado, and Monfalcone can be distinguished.
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Services and information
HOW TO GET THERE.
The Sanctuary of Monte Grisa is located north of Trieste. It can be reached by car, following the signs to Prosecco and then to the temple itself, or by public transportation (bus No. 42 from Trieste).
The shrine can also be reached on foot via the Strada Vicentina, known as the “Napoleonica.”
PARKING
At the base of the shrine is a large free parking lot, also suitable for campers and buses, from which to walk uphill for 300 meters. It is also possible to park near the temple itself, but free spaces are not always available.
SERVICES
The “Pilgrim’s House” bar/restaurant is located at the shrine.
The liturgy is enriched by Gregorian melodies by the Incanto Gregoriano Choir.
OPENING HOURS
The Mount Grisa Sanctuary is open year-round from 07:30 to 19:30. The outdoor Belvederes remain open from 07:30 to 21:00.
HOLY MASS TIMES
Mass times vary according to the days of the week.
They are usually celebrated at the following times:
- Holidays 09:30 – 11:00 – 17:00 – 18:30
- Weekdays from Monday to Saturday 08:30 to 18:30 (in winter period 08:30 to 17:30 Monday to Friday)
However, it is advisable to check the updated schedule on the shrine’s official website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Just below the shrine is the “Pilgrim’s House,” where to stop for coffee or lunch.
From the sanctuary the view sweeps over the entire gulf from Muggia to Miramare Castle. Slovenia, Croatia, Grado and Monfalcone stand out on the horizon.
Certainly, the shrine has always been a pilgrimage destination. The best-known trail is the so-called “Napoleonic.”
Contact the Sanctuary
Through this section you can contact the Sanctuary of Monte Grisa in Trieste directly. Explorer FVG does not handle responses, nor is it responsible for the information exchanged in these conversations.
For information:
Santuario di Monte Grisa
Loc. Contovello, 455
34017 – Trieste
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