The Holy House (Santa Casa) is believed to be the house of the Virgin Mary in Nazareth, where the Annunciation took place. It is now enshrined within the Basilica della Santa Casa in Loreto, Italy.
History
According to tradition, the house was miraculously transported by angels from Nazareth to Loreto in 1294. Modern scholarship suggests the stones were brought by the Angeli family (whose name means 'angels') during the Crusades. Archaeological studies have confirmed the walls are made of materials consistent with structures found in Nazareth.
Scientific Investigation
Studies in the 1960s confirmed the walls are built from sandstone and mortar not native to the Loreto area but consistent with Nazareth construction. The dimensions match the outline of a missing structure at the Grotto of the Annunciation in Nazareth. Graffiti on the stones includes markings similar to those found in Judeo-Christian holy sites.
Spiritual Significance
The Holy House is one of the most venerated Marian shrines in the world. It is considered the place where Mary received the Annunciation from the Archangel Gabriel, making it the site where the Incarnation began. Our Lady of Loreto is the patroness of aviators.
