Rosa Mystica Shrine in Montichiari | Visitor Guide
The Diocesan Shrine of Rosa Mystica – Mother of the Church is located in Fontanelle, in the countryside surrounding Montichiari, in the province of Brescia.
Also known as the Rosa Mystica Shrine of Montichiari or the Fontanelle Shrine, it is a Marian place of prayer and pilgrimage visited by worshippers from Italy and abroad.
The shrine is associated with the spiritual experiences of Pierina Gilli, who was born in Montichiari, and with the devotion to the Virgin Mary under the title of Rosa Mystica – Mother of the Church.
Fontanelle has officially been a diocesan shrine since 2019. In 2024, following an assessment by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the devotion also received the Nihil obstat of the Bishop of Brescia.
What is the Rosa Mystica Shrine in Montichiari?
The Rosa Mystica Shrine is not a traditional monumental church.
It is a religious complex developed largely in the open air around the spring known as the Fountain of Grace, or Fonte di Grazia. It includes spaces for religious services, personal prayer, confession and the reception of pilgrims.
Its most significant places include:
- the Fountain of Grace;
- the chapel beside the spring;
- the devotional staircase;
- the basin used for the immersion of the feet;
- the areas dedicated to Mass and other liturgical celebrations;
- spaces for prayer, silence and contemplation.
The shrine is set in a peaceful and simple rural environment, away from large urban centres. It is visited by individual worshippers, families, religious communities, parish groups and organised pilgrimages.
Why is the shrine located at Fontanelle?
The area was historically known for a spring called Fonte San Giorgio, or St George’s Spring.
According to the account recorded by Pierina Gilli in her diaries, the Virgin Mary appeared to her beside the spring on 17 April 1966 and indicated it as a place of prayer, penance, purification and care for the sick.
During a later experience described by Pierina, on 13 May 1966, the spring was reportedly given the name Fonte di Grazia, meaning Fountain of Grace.
These events gave rise to a devotion that gradually transformed Fontanelle into an international pilgrimage destination.
The Fountain of Grace
The Fountain of Grace is the spiritual heart of the shrine.
Pilgrims may collect water from the designated taps located near the exit of the complex. For worshippers, the water represents a spiritual sign associated with prayer, conversion and the seeking of grace.
Beside the spring is a basin that visitors enter barefoot, either in silence or in personal prayer. The devotional practice involves immersing the feet and must be carried out in accordance with the shrine’s rules.
Access to the basin is permitted only at specific times and is suspended during liturgical celebrations. Visitors are therefore advised to check the latest information on the official Rosa Mystica Shrine website before travelling.
The staircase and prayer path
The staircase leading towards the spring is one of the best-known features of Fontanelle.
Its origin is associated with the route described by Pierina Gilli in connection with the experience of 17 April 1966. Some worshippers choose to climb or descend the steps on their knees, accompanying each step with a prayer.
This is a personal devotional practice rather than an obligation. Visitors may experience the prayer path according to their own sensitivity, while respecting the sacred nature of the site and the pastoral guidance of the shrine.
Who was Pierina Gilli?
Pierina Gilli was born in Montichiari on 3 August 1911. She was the eldest of nine children in a farming family.
From a young age, she wished to enter religious life with the Handmaids of Charity, the congregation founded by Saint Maria Crocifissa di Rosa. Poor health and a series of personal difficulties, however, prevented her from completing this path.
During her lifetime, Pierina worked in several different roles, including as a nursing assistant. From the 1940s onwards, she reported a series of spiritual experiences associated with Maria Rosa Mystica, which she recorded in her diaries.
She died in Montichiari on 12 January 1991.
When referring to Pierina’s story, terms such as “apparitions”, “visionary” and “messages” relate to her own account and writings. They do not represent an official declaration by the Catholic Church regarding the supernatural origin of the events.
The three swords and the three roses
In the first experiences described by Pierina Gilli, Mary reportedly appeared with three swords pointing towards her heart.
Pierina later described her with three roses on her chest:
- a white rose;
- a red rose;
- a golden-yellow rose.
The roses are traditionally associated with three aspects of spiritual life:
- prayer;
- sacrifice;
- penance.
According to Pierina’s account, on 13 July 1947 Mary presented herself under the title of Rosa Mystica and Mother of the Church.
Today, 13 July is one of the most significant dates in the liturgical life of the shrine.
The spiritual experiences in Montichiari and Fontanelle
The events described in Pierina Gilli’s diaries are generally divided into two main periods.
The first cycle took place between 1946 and 1947 and was mainly connected with Montichiari, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
The second cycle began in 1966 at Fontanelle, beside the spring.
In addition to the experience of 17 April, Pierina reported further events on 13 May, 8 June and 6 August 1966.
The spiritual themes associated with the devotion to Maria Rosa Mystica include prayer, conversion, penance, reparation, the Eucharist, care for the sick and intercession for priests, consecrated people and religious vocations.
What is the position of the Catholic Church on Rosa Mystica?
The position of the Catholic Church regarding the experiences described by Pierina Gilli and the devotion that developed at Fontanelle has evolved over time.
Following many years of caution and restrictive assessments, on 7 December 2019 the Bishop of Brescia, Monsignor Pierantonio Tremolada, officially established the Diocesan Shrine of Rosa Mystica – Mother of the Church.
A decisive development followed in July 2024.
After examining Pierina Gilli’s writings and the spiritual proposal associated with her experiences, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith stated that it had found no elements directly contrary to the faith or morals of the Catholic Church.
On 8 July 2024, the Bishop of Brescia therefore issued a decree acknowledging the value of the devotion and authorising its promotion through a Nihil obstat.
This judgement allows worshippers to embrace the devotion with prudence and freedom, recognising its spiritual and pastoral fruits.
However, the Nihil obstat does not constitute an official declaration that the experiences described by Pierina Gilli were of supernatural origin. The Church therefore distinguishes between the value of the devotion and the historical or supernatural confirmation of the alleged apparitions.
What can visitors do at the shrine?
During a visit to the Rosa Mystica Shrine, visitors may:
- attend Holy Mass;
- pray the Rosary;
- receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation;
- take part in Eucharistic Adoration;
- pray beside the Fountain of Grace;
- enter the basin during the permitted hours;
- collect water from the designated taps;
- spend time in silence and contemplation.
The programme varies throughout the year. The shrine also organises Marian days, services for the sick, meetings for young people, prayers for religious vocations and events associated with the main religious observances.
A special Marian day is held on the 13th of every month. The most important annual dates include 13 July, the feast of Rosa Mystica – Mother of the Church, and 13 October, dedicated to the Communion of Reparation.
Rosa Mystica Shrine opening times
Opening times, Mass schedules, confession times and access to the basin may vary depending on the season and the liturgical calendar.
Visitors are advised to check the latest information on the official website of the Diocesan Shrine of Rosa Mystica – Mother of the Church before travelling.
Parish groups and organised pilgrimages should contact the shrine office in advance. Booking is required for larger groups.
Location and directions
The Rosa Mystica Shrine is located at:
Via Rampina di San Giorgio 24
25018 Montichiari, Brescia
Italy
The religious complex lies in the countryside south of the centre of Montichiari and is most easily reached by car or coach.
Its location is convenient for visitors travelling from:
- Brescia;
- Lake Garda;
- Desenzano del Garda;
- Mantua;
- Verona;
- Verona Airport;
- Milan Bergamo Airport.
Parking is available near the shrine.
How long should you allow for your visit?
For an individual visit, it is advisable to allow at least one hour. This provides enough time to explore the main areas of the shrine and spend a quiet moment in prayer beside the spring.
Visitors wishing to attend Mass, go to confession or enter the basin should consider the scheduled service times and allow for a longer stay.
Organised groups and pilgrimages may choose to spend half a day at the shrine or include it in a wider religious itinerary through Montichiari, Brescia and the Lake Garda area.
Other places associated with Pierina Gilli in Montichiari
The story of Maria Rosa Mystica is not connected exclusively with Fontanelle.
Other significant places in Montichiari include:
- the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, associated with the experiences reported in 1947;
- the house where Pierina Gilli lived;
- Montichiari cemetery, where her grave is located.
Opening times and access to these places may vary. Visitors should therefore contact the shrine office for up-to-date information.
Where to stay near the Rosa Mystica Shrine
Palazzo Novello is located in Montichiari, approximately 2.5 kilometres from the Diocesan Shrine of Rosa Mystica – Mother of the Church.
Its proximity to Fontanelle makes it possible to reach the shrine within a few minutes by car, while staying in a peaceful historic residence with private on-site parking.
Palazzo Novello is a suitable accommodation option for:
- individual pilgrims;
- couples and families;
- priests and members of religious communities;
- small parish groups;
- international visitors.
Our staff can provide directions to the shrine and assist guests in organising their stay in Montichiari.
Frequently asked questions about the Rosa Mystica Shrine
Is Fontanelle officially recognised by the Catholic Church?
Yes. Since 7 December 2019, Fontanelle has officially been the Diocesan Shrine of Rosa Mystica – Mother of the Church. In July 2024, the devotion also received the Nihil obstat of the Bishop of Brescia.
Has the Church recognised the apparitions as supernatural?
No. The Nihil obstat confirms that the spiritual proposal contains no elements contrary to Catholic faith or morals and permits the promotion of the devotion. It does not, however, constitute a declaration that the experiences described by Pierina Gilli were supernatural.
Can visitors collect water from the Fountain of Grace?
Yes. Water may be collected from the designated taps located near the exit of the shrine. It must not be taken directly from the spring or the basin.
Is it possible to enter the basin?
Yes, during the hours established by the shrine. Visitors enter barefoot, either in silence or in personal prayer. The basin is closed during liturgical celebrations.
Is advance booking required?
Individual visitors do not normally need to book. Organised groups and pilgrimages should inform the shrine office of their visit in advance.
How far is Palazzo Novello from the Rosa Mystica Shrine?
Palazzo Novello is approximately 2.5 kilometres from the shrine and can be reached within a few minutes by car.