Perhaps you have already noticed the unusual structure overlooking the sea. Locals affectionately call it “el formaggin” or the little cheese. Today we explore the Tempio Nazionale a Maria Madre e Regina di Monte Grisa. It is a unique shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The story of this temple begins in 1945. Bishop Antonio Santin of Trieste made a vow. He promised to erect a church if Trieste was saved from destruction during the riots. The city was spared. In 1959, Pope John XXIII granted Santin permission to build a church. It would be a symbol of peace and unity.
Legend says that Bishop Santin was told of plans to mine the city. He prayed to the Virgin Mary for salvation. The explosives were never detonated. Santin saw this as a sign. He embarked on his mission to build a monument. It would honor the Virgin Mary. It would also promote peace.
Professor Antonio Guacci designed the Tempio Nazionale a Maria Madre e Regina di Monte Grisa. He used Santin’s sketches and stories as inspiration. Santin envisioned a ship guiding people to safety. Guacci incorporated this into the design. The upper church resembles a ship’s deck. The high altar symbolizes the bridge of command. Christ is the helmsman. The lower church mirrors the ship’s hold. The triangles that form the structure evoke ship sails.
Construction began in 1959. The church was inaugurated in 1966. Pope John Paul II visited in 1992. The Tempio Nazionale a Maria Madre e Regina di Monte Grisa sits 300 meters high. It is on the edge of the Karst plateau. The location provides amazing views.
The repeating triangles represent the Holy Trinity. They also represent “MM” for Mother Mary and “AM” for Ave Maria. The design is said to be inspired by a diamond solitaire. The intention was to draw everyone’s gaze upwards to the Virgin Mary.
Guacci used classical beauty principles in his design of Tempio Nazionale a Maria Madre e Regina di Monte Grisa. The upper church represents a beehive. The Virgin Mother is the Queen Bee. She provides goodness to the worker bees. These bees are the parishioners doing good works.
The Tempio Nazionale a Maria Madre e Regina di Monte Grisa stands as a testament to faith. It embodies unity and peace. It is a special place. Its architecture is both striking and symbolic. The views from the Tempio are wonderful.