The Basilica, built with the consultation of P. Francesco Zorzi, was consecrated in 1548 and declared a National Monument in 1877. Everything invites prayer, especially the remarkable works of art.
In the triumphal arch we can find the Annunciation attributed to Pomponio Amalteo, while on the first altar to the left, there is an enchanting Nativity by Bernardino d'Asola. Opposite: we can admire the altarpiece of St. Nicholas, recently attributed to Gerolamo Pilotti, and at the center of the Church, always to the left, the Sacred Heart, a precious canvas by the Venetian Luigi Nono; while facing it is the beautiful canvas of St. Peter of Alcantara by Giovanni Spoldi. Closing the left side aisle is the Chapel of the Madonna.
Through two small doors on the sides of the altar, one descends into the Crypt: it is the heart of the Sanctuary, the place where Mary appeared. Returning to the Church, in the left pillar of the triumphal arch, there is a small niche with the Virgin and Child: it is the oldest ex-voto donated by the podestà of Motta, Girolamo Venier, who was graced by the Madonna. Above the Main Altar is the stunning Ancona by Sansovino: at the center, the little door of the tabernacle with adoring angels: above, the Annunciation; on the sides below: St. Francis and St. Anthony. Above the main door is the polychrome stained glass of the Assumption, a work by Pompeo Bertini from Milan.
Exiting through the right side door, one enters the first cloister: in the lunettes, in a series of frescoes by Bernardo Muttoni (1674), the Life of St. Francis is narrated. Through the underlying door, one enters the second cloister, in whose lunettes the Life of St. Anthony is narrated by Bernardo Muttoni.
