Directions and contacts
By car
For those coming from the north:
A22 AUTOSTRADA MODENA-BRENNERO exit Mantova nord at San Giorgio, direction Mantova, then direction Cremona for 9 km, or State Road Verona-Mantova, then direction Cremona.
For those coming from the south:
A22 AUTOSTRADA MODENA-BRENNERO exit Mantua south at Bagnolo San Vito, crossing S. Biagio, Pietole, Cerese di Virgilio, south ring road towards Cremona, or Strada Statale della Cisa, Parma-Mantova until Cerese di Virgilio, south ring road towards Cremona, or S.S. Sabbionetana until Mantua.
For those coming from the east:
Strada Ostigliese as far as Mantua, then direction Cremona, or Strada Statale Romana from San Benedetto Po, crossing Bagnolo San Vito, San Biagio, Cerese, southern bypass.
For those coming from the west:
State Road Cremona-Mantova, crossing Castellucchio, 4 km Grazie, or State Road Brescia-Mantova crossing Castiglione D/S, Guidizzolo, Goito, right direction Rivalta sul Mincio, then Curtatone.
At 100 mt from the Sanctuary ample parking. At 100 mt from the Sanctuary large equipped camper area.
By train
State railways: Milan-Mantova, Verona-Mantova, Modena-Mantova
FER: Ferrara-Suzzara, Suzzara-Mantova connection
then bus lines, cabs, bicycle rental in Mantua.
By airplane
Verona Catullo Airport (km. 40), then train, bus, cab.
By ship
Descent of the Mincio River with departure from Lake Garda Ascent of Lake Superior with departure from Belfiore (Mantua) Docking at the Grazie pier.
Bicycle/foot
Bicycle path from Mantua
Bicycle path from Rivalta sul Mincio.
Information for pilgrim groups
Buses are not allowed to enter the square of the Shrine. They may stop for the unloading/loading of pilgrims, in the large parking lot at the beginning of the built-up area, 200 meters from the Basilica.
Entrance to the shrine is free of charge. Pilgrims may freely enter, maintaining silence out of respect for the place and those who are praying. For this reason, visits are asked to be suspended during celebrations.
For groups accompanied by their own priest, it is possible to celebrate Holy Mass: in the morning, Monday through Saturday, at a time between 9:00 am and 11:00 am; in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, at a time between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
A packed lunch is available: in good weather, in the park behind the Shrine, known as Riva della Madonna; in case of bad weather, in the Pilgrim's Hall, up to a maximum of 50 people, accessible from the Sanctuary cloister. If you do not have a packed lunch, there are 4 restaurants in the hamlet of Le Grazie to which you can contact to agree on menu and cost.
Priests and shrine staff are available to explain the history related to its construction, at a free offering, (earmarked for maintenance and restoration work), for groups of at least 30 people, consistent with their ministry commitments.
Arriving at the entrance of the shrine, in the portico on the left side, there is the secluded place where candles can be lit and pause for a short prayer.
Near the outside entrance to the cloister of the Shrine is the religious items shop. Open on Sundays and on days when there are pilgrimages, you can find there: pious objects (rosary wreaths, medallions, figurines, statuettes of Our Lady, angels and some saints, etc.), booklets-guides to the history and visitation of the Basilica, and anything else pertaining to the place.
Toilet facilities are located in the sanctuary forecourt. For more information, call 0376 349 002, or the number listed on the answering machine.
