San Marino and Loreto

Presidents' Day weekend found us taking a cheap flight to Fiorli and driving south to Loreto in order to visit the Holy House of Mary. Enroute we took a turn that led us into the Republic of San Marino. (I refuse to count that I've visited a country or state unless I leave the airport or car and walk on the ground.) We drove into the country after being greeted by a rather handsome, pleasant young man in uniform who checked our passports. Then we made our photo and breakfast stops.


Republic of San Marino




Loreto...sidewalk chalk art




For the very few who receive post cards from this trip, these are the stamps. We didn't know the story until we were back home. Joe Petrosino immigrated to the United States as a youth. He fought organized crime while he was a policeman and was killed while on assignment in Sicily. (Wikipedia ...the article mentions the stamp.)




The Basilica of the Holy House in Loreto looking across the Piazza della Madonna from the Santa Casa Art Gallery/Museum in the Palazzo Apostolico. Excellent museum. The Holy House is located in the Basilica.




Isn't that a delicious looking slice of pizza?




Fountain detail




Steep street away from the Basilica




Our Lady of Loreto is the patron of aviators and flight. Several airports around the world have statues dedicated to her. As of December 10, 2010, Rome's Fiumicino does, too. Naturally, the town has an airplane.




View from our room

Loreto is small, quiet, and a pilgrimage site. If you read the links, you will find that there are several stories of how the Holy House came to be there. It doesn't matter which one you choose to believe, the spirit of Loreto is one of love, peace, comfort, and joy.