santuario, basilica, Santa Maria del Lauro

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Lauro, a church in Meta, began its life as a parish seat in 1536, though its origins stretch further back into the Byzantine period. Elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Pius X in 1914, it was recognised as a monumental building by the historian Filangieri, securing its place among Italy’s protected architectural heritage. The church is a centre of enduring local devotion to the Madonna del Lauro, a sacred image venerated here since its discovery, and the patron saint of Meta. The strength of this cult is recorded in centuries of ex-votos, often precious objects, which form the ‘treasure of the Madonna del Lauro’. The church was later expanded with a large piazza and a modern multi-purpose hall and classrooms, designed by architect Antonello Viggiano and opened in 1999. This is a site where deep, local faith meets long institutional history, not a hidden gem but a well-rooted presence.

Description via source. Coordinates and heritage data from the Atika atlas.