The Ronda walkways of the Basilica of Loreto. Photo By: Baldassarri Giuseppe Copyright, License Own work, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The Ronda walkways of the Basilica of Loreto.

Basilica of Loreto in

Loreto, in Italy, Marche, 60025 Loreto AN, Piazza della Madonna, 1, The Ronda walkways of the Basilica of Loreto The Walkways of Ronda are one of the least known aspects of the Basilica of Loreto. Typical of military buildings, the Ronda Walkways characterize the appearance of the basilica-fortress, which is very rare on Italian soil. Closed to the public for five hundred years, this architectural treasure was recently restored on the occasion of the Jubilee of 2000 and open to visitors wishing to admire a fascinating and rare structure. The Rocchette can be accessed by crossing the Basilica, climbing about one hundred and twenty-four steps of the south tower. Once at the top, the panorama offers a wide view with interesting glimpses of the landscape that goes from the Conero Riviera to the Adriatic coast in the east and the hills to the west, across the Gran Sasso d’Italia reaching the Sibillini mountains. Visitors can admire the city of Loreto, its conformation and its buildings. The route also includes a visit to the internal structure of the old barracks where you can observe the rooms of the soldiers' home, and the fifteenth-century structure with the buttresses that supports the dome drum. A guide will take visitors under the main roof where you will have a unique view of the oak trusses. In 1485, while the construction of the Basilica was underway, the construction of the Ronda Walkways was commissioned by Girolamo Basso della Rovere, administrator of the Holy House. The cardinal's intent was to protect the Basilica and its treasures from the incursions of the Turkish pirates, who had razed some towns in the coastal area, including Porto Recanati, only 6 km from Loreto. The task was initially entrusted to Giuliano da Maiano, whose original project is admirable in the battlements of the north-east tower, which overlooks Porta Marina, one of the two main gates of Loreto. In reality, the fortification plan, still visible today, is due to Baccio Pontelli, general engineer of the papal fortresses in the Marca d'Ancona. From 1488 he modified the design of Giuliano da Maiano by devising a suspended patrol walkway, that is projecting on cantilevered arches on shelves. This typically Renaissance solution combines the need for defense with the refinement of forms. In fact, the walkways of Ronda, known by the name of Rocchette, are not only a solid line of defense but, interrupting the verticality of the structure, help to make the summit majestic and at the same time elegant and winding of the Basilica. Home Page Click here for a map.

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