Museo degli ex voto del Santuario Madonna della Milicia
Museum in the premises of the shrine with about 400 small votive paintings, mostly on tin, from 1837 to the present day.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was set up and opened in 1983 in the premises adjacent to the Madonna della Milicia shrine in Altavilla Milicia. It houses the ex voto offerings of the faithful, that is, small paintings offered in thanksgiving for graces received. The shrine was elevated to minor basilica in October 2023.
The collection comprises about 400 small paintings of similar format (on average about 35 × 25 cm), made from 1837 up to the present day. Many are painted on tin cut from sardine tins and were executed by Sicilian cart painters; the most recent works are oil paintings on canvas. Most depict the Madonna with the Child, sometimes together with Saint Francis or other saints, often bearing the monogram V.F.G.A. (Votum fecit gratiam accepit).
A collection of silver ex voto offerings is displayed in the shrine’s reception hall, together with a silver dress known as “rizza”.
Highlights
- About 400 votive paintings from 1837 to the present day
- Small paintings on tin by Sicilian cart painters
- Silver ex voto offerings in the reception hall
- Silver dress known as “rizza”
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione di ex voto – About 400 small votive paintings, mostly on tin, and a collection of silver ex voto offerings.
- Founded
- 1983
- Operated by
- Santuario Madonna della Milicia
- Visitors per year
- approx. 1,000
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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