Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii

Papal Basilica with a Marian Icon, Dedication to the Holy Rosary, and Tomb of Blessed Bartolo Longo

Mass | Hours

In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, the ancient ruins of pagan Pompeii speak of a civilization lost—but just nearby, a modern miracle of grace and conversion rises in splendor: the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, one of Italy’s most beloved Marian shrines. At the heart of this sacred place is not only the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Rosary, but also the life and witness of her devoted apostle, Blessed Bartolo Longo.

Born in 1841, Bartolo was raised Catholic but drifted far from the faith during his youth. While studying law in Naples, he became involved in occultism and was even ordained a satanic priest. Plagued by despair and spiritual torment, his life took a dramatic turn when he encountered a Dominican priest who led him back to the Church. Deeply repentant, Bartolo dedicated the rest of his life to making reparation and spreading devotion to the Holy Rosary, which he called his “ladder to Heaven.”

In 1875, he arrived in the poverty-stricken valley of Pompeii, where he began to catechize the people and promote the Rosary. He restored a dilapidated church, enshrined a miraculous image of Our Lady of the Rosary, and founded what would become a majestic basilica, built through donations from the faithful. Bartolo also established charitable works for orphans, prisoners, and the poor, living out the Gospel with heroic love.

Today, pilgrims to Our Lady of Pompeii can kneel before the beloved image of Mary offering the Rosary to St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena—an image that has been associated with numerous graces and healings. Blessed Bartolo Longo’s remains lie in a side chapel within the basilica, where his life continues to inspire those seeking conversion, healing, or deeper Marian devotion.

In this Jubilee Year, Pompeii stands as a radiant witness to the power of the Rosary and the boundless mercy of God. As Blessed Bartolo once said: “Whoever spreads the Rosary is saved.” May every pilgrim who comes here be renewed in faith, forgiven through grace, and strengthened by Our Lady’s unfailing love.