Mariology: The Shrine Devotions of Mary

Next I'm going to focus strictly on shrine-based Marian devotions. These are sites dedicated to Mother Mary where the location itself is the central reasoning behind the devotion. This will include sites pertaining to Mary's life from the ancient days. It will include sites where a miracle or legend has emerged thru the intercession of Mother Mary. It will also include the greatest churches dedicated to Mary, which have become devotional sites in their own right. It's by no means a ranked list of the greatest shrines. Also I will not be including the famous sanctuaries here since I plan to address the apparition devotions in a separate post (such as the Sanctuary of Guadalupe). 

I also plan to address image-based devotions in a separate post (such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help). Some of these shrine devotions might still have an image/object as it's central feature of attraction, however I felt the location itself still played a primary role. Many of the Marian devotions are often a mixture of apparition, image, confraternities, and location stories (such as Our Lady of Mount Carmel). Once again any site that pertains strictly to an image or apparition will be included in a separate post. Also I'm not going to spend as much time on the major Marian churches, since most of them were included on my Top 100 Churches List. There are some new ones here however that I'm now wishing I had included in my top 100 list due their historical nature alone. Maybe next time I'll have to come up with a top 200 church list. 

Our Lady of Loreto

• Location: Basilica della Santa Casa (Marches, Italy)
  
• Origin Story: It is believed to be the location where Mary lived in Nazareth, that was miraculously transported to Italy by angels
  
• Development History: 
• 13th century- Holy House arrives in Loreto, Italy
• 15th century- Holy House of Loreto becomes pilgrimage site
• 16th century- Basilica della Santa Casa is constructed to enshrine the house
• Sacred Object: Holy House of Loreto, statue of Our Lady of Loreto (Black Madonna)
• Sacred Shrine: Basilica della Santa Casa
• Iconography: The Holy House itself, angels, sculpted enclosure
• Summary: This is a Marian devotion that pertains to a location, which is thought by some to be the original household of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth. While the tradition states it was transported by angels, this is likely an allegorical reference to the Italian Angeli family. It's likely they were able to gather sections of Mary's home before the Muslim conquest and restore it in their hometown of Loreto. The entire site is considered the sacred tradition, however inside the shrine there is a Black Madonna statue that is considered the devotional image of Our Lady of Loreto. 

Our Lady of Chartres

• Location: Chartres, France
• 
  Origin Story: This devotion centers on the sacred relic of the Sancta Camisa (Holy Tunic of the Virgin Mary)
  
• Development History:
• 8th century- the veil of Mary is recovered by Charlemagne and offered to Chartres
• 1194- The veil miraculously survives a fire that completely destroys it's shrine
• 12 th century- The current Cathedral of Chartres is built to house the relic.
• Sacred Object: The Sancta Camisa (Holy Tunic/ Veil of Mary)
• Sacred Shrine: Chartres Cathedral (Chartres, France)
• Iconography: Black Madonna of Chartres with child both wearing crowns
• Summary: This is a relic-based devotion that is has become a pilgrimage site in Chartres, France. While the church itself is an incredible work of Gothic architecture, it's the relic of Mary that is the main focus here. The relic is displayed within a glass ornate shrine and accompanied by a statue of the Black Madonna (as Our Lady of Chartres). The statue itself has spread into an important icon of the devotion. So this is actually a multi-layered devotion with a holy relic and a Marian-image that has become a pilgrimage site (as one of the most iconic churches in France). 
• Our Lady of Covadonga
• Location: Covadonga, Asturias, Spain
• Origin Story: Christian forces take refuge in the caves during the Battle of Covadonga (722 AD). The Christians prayed for protection and later won an unexpected victory
• Development History:
• 722- Battle of Covadonga- Spanish Christian army defeats Muslim army thanks to prayers and intercession of Mary
• 9th century- Cave becomes a pilgrimage site
• 19th century- Basilica built near the cave
• Sacred Object: Statute of the Virgin Mary in the cave (Our Lady of Covadonga)
• Sacred Shrine: Holy Cave of Covadonga, Basilica of Covadonga
• Iconography: Mary holding the Christ Child
• Summary: During the Spanish Reconquista of Iberia from the Muslim Umayyad conquest, this famous battle was fought and won by the Spanish army. They were led by Pelayo, who chose to retreat into the mountainous caves. While it seemed defeat was eminent they prayed to the statue of Mary located in the caves. The army achieved victory thru poor tactics from the Muslim army, who became easily exposed to the hidden Spanish soldiers. This is considered the beginning of the Reconquista of Spain which lasted from 722 to 1492 with the fall of Granada. This cave location is thus not only a sacred site, but also a historical site of great Spanish pride. The statue herself has become the iconic image of the devotion to Our Lady of Covadonga which is both shrine and image-based.   

Our Lady of Ipswich

• Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, England
  
• 
  Origin Story: A statue of Virgin Mary known as Our Lady of Grace establishes a reputation of answering prayers and becomes a pilgrimage site 
• Development History:
• 14th century- Chapel of Our Lady of Grace installed in Ipswich, England
• 1538- Statue is destroyed under King Henry VIII as part of the Reformation
• 2002- Catholic community restores the devotion with a new state. Pilgrimage resumes
• Sacred Object: Statue of Our Lady of Grace
• Sacred Shrine: Chapel of Our Lady of Grace (Ipswich, England)
• Iconography: Mary seated holding her child Jesus. Wearing blue and red garments, sometimes with a crown.
• Summary: This is considered one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in England. The statue of Mary located in this Ipswich chapel was revered during the middle ages as one that would answer prayers (most notably healing miracles). The word spread throughout England and the chapel became a popular pilgrimage site. It was later destroyed during the English Reformation although some legends state that it was removed or hidden. Nonetheless after many years without a statue, a new one was placed at the original location in 1987. 

Our Lady of the Hens

• 
  Location: Pagani, Campania, Italy
  
• Origin Story: Some hens dig up a wooden frame of the Virgin Mary that is buried underground.   
• Development History:
• 1609- Some hens in a chicken coop uncover a wooden panel with the image of Mary and child
• 1609-1610- Eight healing miracles pertaining to this image unfold
• 17th century- Pilgrimage increases to visit shrine location and image 
• Sacred Object: Statue of the Virgin Mary
• Sacred Shrine: Sanctuary of Madonna delle Gailline (Pagani, Italy)
• Iconography: Mary with Christ child
• Summary: This is a unique story that could be considered a sacred-location and an image-based devotion. The event of the chickens unburying this image of Mary is in itself a very unusual occurrence. The townspeople quickly saw this as a divine sign which resulted in various miracles. The most famous miracle was of a cripple man who claimed to have saw this same image as a vision telling him to get rid of his crutches and walk. When he was healed, the word quickly spread that this was a sacred object to be revered. The original painting itself eventually deteriorated and was later reproduced and displayed in the current shrine in Italy. While the devotion is centered around this image of Mary as Our Lady of the Hens, the unique discovery of the image is what also makes it a location-based devotion. 

Santa Marian Kamalen

• 
  Location: Hagatna, Guam
  
• Origin Story: The devotion is centered around a wooden statue brought to Guam by Spanish missionaries
• Development History:
• 17th century- Statue arrives in Guam during Spanish colonization
• 1700s- Associated with protection of Guam from storms and hardships
• Sacred Object: Wooden statue of Marian Kamalen
• Sacred Shrine: Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica
• Iconography: Mary standing dressed in robes, crowned as queen
• Summary: This is the patron mother of Guam, that is associated as the protector of their island. It is primarily based off a wooden statue, however a great shrine was constructed to display the statue. According to tradition the statue was lost for some time, but then miraculously washed back up to shore, which brought it's title Kamalen which means "From the sea".  

Our Lady of Koratty Madonna

• 
  Location: Kerala, India
• Origin Story: It is centered around a statue of the Virgin Mary, that came from Christian missionaries and brought protection to the land
• Development History:
• Middle Ages: Local pilgrimages begin to develop throughout India
• 1381- 1st Local Shrine of Korattymuthy is established
• 1775- Current shrine of the Koratty Madonna
• Sacred Object: Statue of Our Lady of Korattymuthy
• Sacred Shrine: Korattymuthy Shrine (St. Mary's Forance Church, Koratty)
• Iconography: Mary dressed as queen holding the Christ Child
  
• Summary: This is an image based devotion that established one of the oldest and most important Marian pilgrimage shrines in India. Our Lady of Koratty Madonna means Our Lady of Rosary. It is believed according to Indian tradition that the statue has brought about many miracles of healing, especially for families and children. 

Our Lady of Lebanon

• 
  Location: Harissa, Lebanon
  
• Origin Story: This is a shrine based devotion, where a statue of Virgin Mary was built overlooking the Lebanese coast. She became the patron and guardian of the country.
• Development History:
• 1904-1908- Statue of Virgin Mary built and erected in Harissa, overlooking the bay
• 20th century- Becomes major pilgrimage site in Lebanon
• Sacred Object: Massive bronge statue of Virgin Mary
• Sacred Shrine: Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine
• Iconography: Mother Mary wearing a crown with outstretched arms
• Summary: This is considered a major symbol of Christianity in Lebanon and is their most important Marian shrines. It was established by the Maronite Church, an Eastern Catholic Church. The Lady of Lebanon is considered the national patron of Lebanon. It attracts millions of pilgrims a year to pay honor and respect to their greatest Christian monument. 

Our Lady of Nazare 

• Location: Nazare, Portugal
• 
  Origin Story: Based on an ancient statue brought from the Holy Land. A noble knight was saved from falling off a cliff by prayed to the Virgin Mary and had a shrine built dedicated to her intercession
  
• Development History:
• 1182- Noble knight is miraculously saved from death near a cliff thru prayers to Mary
• 1182- First shrine is built and dedicated to her
• 14th - 17th century- Shrine becomes a pilgrimage site and is replaced by a sanctuary church.
• Sacred Object: Wooden statue of Virgin Mary seated with Child Jesus
• Sacred Shrine: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare
• Iconography: Seated Virgin Mary, Child Christ on her knee, dark toned complexion, crown, cliff imagery
• Summary: This is based off a miraculous event where a noble knight was saved from falling to his death, thru prayers to Mary. He was hunting a deer who he lost track of, and his horse was moving too fast to stop. How he had time to prayer to Mary in this instant moment is amazing, but some how his horse came to an abrupt stop thru some form of divine intervention. The noble thus had shrine built on the location and it became one of the most popular Marian devotions in Portugal (after Fatima).

Our Lady of Piat 

• 
  Location: Piat, Cagayan, Philippines
  
• Origin Story: A statue of Mary was brought by Dominican missionaries to Philippines, and was intended to be relocated however thru various strange intercessions, continued to stay put in Piat.
• Development History:
• 17th century- Statue is brought to the Philippines from Dominican missionaries
• 1623- Basilica is built to honor the statue
• 1700s- Became a major pilgrimage site.
• Sacred Object: Black Madonna statue of Virgin Mary
• Sacred Shrine: Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat
• Iconography: Black Madonna statue, Mary holding the Christ Child
• Summary: This is a unique location-based story where a Virgin Statue was brought to the town of Piat, Philippines and according to tradition is considered to have "chosen" to stay there. Various efforts were made to relocate the statue, but reports suggest it was either too heavy or other unusual events interfered with her relocation. It was as if the statue of Mary herself had adopted the culture and had refused to be relocated from this region of Piat. The locals really took to the statue and many healing and weather miracles took place thru devotional prayers. It is considered one of the oldest and most popular Marian devotions in the Philippines.

Our Lady of Turumba 

• Location: Pakil, Philippines
• 
  Origin Story: A painting of the Virgin Mary was found floating in a Laguna in Philippines. Once recovered it would not leave the village of Pakil
  
• Development History:
• 1770s- Painting of the Virgin Mary is discovered floating near the town of Pakil
• 1788- Image of Turumba enshrined in Pakil Church
• Sacred Object: Painting of Virgin Mary
• Sacred Shrine: St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church (Pakil, Philippines)
• Iconography: Virgin Mary in sorrowful expression with a dagger in her heart
• Summary: This painting of Our Lady of Sorrows was discovered floating near the town of Pakil. Similar to Our Lady of Piat it refused to be relocated from the area thru various strange occurrences. Many miracles were later attributed to the painting thru devotions to the image. A church was later built to honor the lady of Turumba. This could either be a location or image based devotion, but I'm going with location same as Piat since the Virgin refused to leave the location.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor

• 
  Location: New Orleans, USA
  
• Origin Story: Nun travels from France to New Orleans with a statue of the Virgin and establish devotion during War of 1812
• Development History:
• 1800s-Ursuline nuns from France establish the devotion of Prompt Succor (Quick Help)
• 1812-1815- During the War of 1812, the nuns prayed to the Lady of Prompt Succor and achieved an unexpected victory over the British
• 1817- During a fire prayers of intercession also saved the convent
• 1920s- Shrine built in her honoro
• Sacred Object: Statue of Mary holding the Christ Child. Christ holds the globe of Earth
• Sacred Shrine: National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
• Iconography: Mary dressed in queenly golden attired with robes and crown. The Christ Child holds a small globe of Earth
• Summary: This is a case of some nuns from France, who traveled to America and established their own devotion in New Orleans. After various prayers were answered the statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor received the canonical coronation from the pope. She became the patronness of New Orleans ever since.

Our Lady of the Rocks 

• Location: Perast, Montenegro
• 
  Origin Story: Fishermen discovered an image of the Virgin Mary on the rock of the sea, and began placing rocks on the location until an island was created
  
• Development History:
• 1452- Icon of Virgin Mary discovered at the sea
• 1500s- Tradition begins of placing a rock at location after every successful voyage
• 1630- Church is built to honor the sacred site with the image
• Sacred Object: Madonna and Child painting
• Sacred Shrine: Church of Our Lady of the Rocks (Montenegro)
• Iconography: Mary holding the Christ Child, maritime imagery
• Summary: This is a great legend that is based off an image devotion, but more so a location devotion since the image never left it's site. The fact that the painting was found in the sea is not a miracle, however the tradition of creating an island out of stones thru prayer devotions is a wonderful story. A church was eventually erected on the site and it became a major pilgrimage site. This tradition is still practiced today in the Feast of Fasinada where people throw rocks into the sea in honor of the Lady of the Rocks.

Our Lady of the Snows

• Location: Rome, Italy
  
• 
  Origin Story: According to tradition snow miracoulusly fell in Rome during summertime, which became the site of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
• Development History:
• 4th century- Pope Liberius received a dream from Mary to build a church on the location of a divine sign. (The snow in summer became the sign)
• 432- Mary was declared the Mother of God at the Council of Ephesus. Basilica of Saint Mary Major is built in her honor
• Feast Day: August 5th
• Sacred Object: Salus Populi Romani image (Health of the Roman People)
• Sacred Shrine: Basilica of Saint Mary Major
• Summary: This one goes back to an ancient legend where Mary appeared to the pope in a dream (she also appeared to several Roman nobles). They were instructed to build Mary's grand new basilica at the site of a miracle. This was right around the same time as the Council of Ephesus where the title of Theotokos was bestowed upon Mary. The miracle occurred when it snowed in Rome during summer which became the site of the great Basilica of Mary Major. This devotion is still celebrated today as a feast where white petals are dropped inside the basilica to recreate this snow miracle. This devotion is not so much a patronage of winter-time rather a celebration of the miraculous snowfall that occurred at the future location of the Basilica of Mary Major.

Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn

• Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
• 
  Origin Story: An icon of the Virgin Mary was placed at the Vilnius fortifications referred to as the Gate of Dawn. Many miracles began to happen thru devotions to the image
  
• Development History:
• 1502-1522- The Gate of Dawn is constructed as part of the Vilnius fortification.
• 1630- Image of Mary is placed on the Gate, and develops a devotional following due to prayer miracles
• 1671- Shrine is built at the gate house to store the image
• 1711- Fire destroys the chapel, but the image survives and is placed in a larger chapel
• 1927- The Image was canoincally crowned by Pope Pius XI
• Sacred Object: Painting of Virgin Mary
• Sacred Shrine: Chapel of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn
• Iconography: Mary is alone with her hands crossed over her chest. There is an elaborate golden crown on her head surronded by stars and rays of sunburst
• Summary: This is an amazing image of the mother Mary, depicted on her own in pure ornamental gold. It's more-so a location-based devotion however because it has never moved from it's original location at the Gate of Dawn. A chapel was built on the site where the image stood overlooking the city streets. The location is quite key here, since it is perched high like a tunnel, where onlookers can see the majestic image and prayer to her. It was thru this placement that the image received such a devoted following that attributed to many prayer miracles. She is widely venerated and considered the special protector of Lithuania.

Marian Devotion Churches

Our Lady of Paris

• Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris, France)
  
• Marian title: The Virgin Mary, Queen, Mother of God
• Marian Features: 
• Virgin of the Facade (Virgin and child above central rose window)
• Statue of Our Lady of Paris
• Portal of the Virgin (left door)
• Virgin of the Pillar
• Rose Windows
• Mary Imagery
• Marian chapels and altar spaces
• Significance: One of the most iconic churches in the world dedicated completely to Mary as patron and protector of Paris and France. 

Santa Maria in Trastevere

• Rome, Italy
• Marian title: Mother of God (Theotokos)
• Marian Features: 
• Apse Mosaic (Christ and Mary enthroned together)
• Life of the Virgin mosaics (Pietro Cavallini)
• Madonna Lactans (Front facade mosaic)
• Marian imagery
• Significance: One of the earliest churches dedicated to Mary with famous mosaics and artwork.

Church of Mary 

• Ephesus, Turkey
• Mariain Title: Mother of God (Theotokos)
• Significance: The site of the Council of Ephesus where it was decided that Mary was the Theotokos. Today it lies in ruins but is still an important Marian pilgrimage site

Saint Mary Major 

• 
  Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Rome, Italy)
  
• Marian Title: Theotokos, Our Lady of the Snows
• Venerated relic: Holy Crib
• Marian features: 
• Apse Mosaic- Coronation of the Virgin
• Marian mosaics (5th century, oldest Marian mosaics)
• Icon of Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Roman people)
• Borghese Chapel
• Our Lady of the Snows imagery
• Significance: One of the first churches dedicated to Mary after it was deemed she was the mother of God at the Council of Ephesus. Also hosts other devotional titles such as the Salus Populi Romani and Our Lady of the Snows. This is considered the central papal basilica for Marian dogma. 

Basilica of the National Shine of the Immaculate Conception

• Washington DC, USA
• Marian Title: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
• Marian Features:
• Upper Church Marian Apse (Mary as Queen)
• Crypt Church chapels
• Marian mosaics
• Marian statues
• Significance: Largest Marian church in North America

Dormition Abbey

• Mount Zion, Jerusalem, Israel
• Marian Title: Dormition of the Virgin Mary
• Marian features: 
• Crypt statue of Mary in a peaceful sleep
• Dome mosaics of Mary
• Significance: This is the holy site where Mary went into her final sleep and left her earthly body before the Assumption. 

Tomb of the Virgin

• 
  Jerusalem, Israel
  
• Marian Title: Dormition of the Virgin Mary
• Marian Features: 
• Empty tomb shrine
• Marian imagery
• Significance: The burial place of Mary considered a very important pilgrimage site, since it is empty due to her Assumption. 

Virgin of the Annunciation

• Basilica of the Annunciation (Nazareth, Israel)
• Marian Title: Our Lady of Nazareth
• Marian features:
• Grotto of the Annunciation
• Upper church mosaics
• Marian iconography
• Exterior Marian gallery (art from Catholic communities worldwide)
• Significance: The site of Mary's annunciation where the angel Gabriel visited her to tell her she would carry the son of God.

Our Lady of the Magnificat

• Church of the Visitation (Ein Karen, Jerusalem, Israel)
  
• Marian Title: Virgin Mary during the Visitation
• Marian features:
• Upper church mosaics
• Grotto of the Visitation
• Upper church Marian artwork
• Elizabeth-Mary artwork
• Significance: This is the holy site where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth welcomed Mary with the famous lines "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb". 

Our Lady of Reims

• Notre-Dame de Reims (France)
• Marian Title: Queen of Heaven
• Marian Features:
• West Facade Coronation of the Virgin
• Stained glass windows with Marian imagery
• Marian statues, sculpted reliefs
• Significance: This church is dedicated to Mary as Queen of Heaven, but also as patron of France.

Saint Mary of the See

• 
  Seville Cathedral (Spain)
  
• Marian Title: Our Lady of the See, Star of the Sea
• Marian Features:
• Virgen de la Sede (14th century sculpture)
• Retablo Mayor (largest gothic altarpiece in the world depicting Mary's life)
• Stained glass windows depicting Marian imagery
• Our Lady of Antigua image-devotion
• Significance: The title refers to Mary's episcopal seat as head of the church. But it also ties to her patronage of the sea (Stella Maris, Star of the Sea), in which Seville was a booming hub during the exploration age

 Saint Mary of the Flower

• Florence Cathedral (Italy)
• Marian Title: Saint Mary of the Flower
• Marian Features:
• Dome of Brunelleschi (Marian Cosmic symbolism)
• Front Facade Mary statues
• Rose Window of Marian images
• Baptistery of San Giovanni (Marian narrative cycles)
• Significance: Mary as the flower is a poetic devotion that celebrates Mary's beauty (similar to the Mystical Rose title). This cathedral celebrates that devotional representation in epic fashion. 

Our Lady before Tyn

• Church of Our Lady before Tyn (Prague, Czechia)
  
• Marian Title: Virgin Mary
• Marian Features
• Gothic statue of Virgin Mary on front apex facade 
• Marian imagery on main altar
• Marian imagery on stained glass windows
• Marian paintings and devotional art
• Significance: Presents Mary as guardian of the city of Prague watching over merchants and travelers at the gateway of the central plaza that was once known as Tyn.

Our Lady of Pisa

• Pisa Cathedral (Italy)
• Marian Title: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• Marian Feature:
• Main apse mosaic (Christ enthroned with Mary)
• Life of Mary cycle (Marble pulpit reliefs by Giovanni Pisano)
• Marian Baptistery
• Significance: Famous for it's leaning tower this iconic church is devotion to the Assumption of Mary and the city of Pisa
  

Our Lady of Aix la Chapelle

• Aechan Cathedral (Germany)
• Marian Title: Virgin Mary, Theotokos
• Marian Features: 
• Marienschrein- Marian shrine reliquary
• Charlemagne's Marian Chapel
• Marian mosaics
• Stained glass windows with Marian images
• Significance: Famous for containing Mary relics such as her robe, swaddling clothes of baby Jesus, loincloth of Christ, and cloth of John the Baptist. These relics and it's historical relevance make this famous church a major pilgrimage site and one of the most famous Marian shrines in Germany

Our Lady of Ransom

• Our Lady of Ransom Church (Kanyakumari, India)
• Marian Title: Our Lady of Mercy
• Marian features:
• Statue of Our Lady of Ransom at central high altar
• Central altar painting of Mary
• Marian shrines and ritual spaces
• Summary: This devotional title has a massive following in India as their protector. The feast of Our Lady of Ransom is celebrated in India as an annual 10 day feast. 

Santa Maria Della Salute

• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Venice, Italy)
  
• Marian Title: Our Lady of Health
• Marian features:
• Madonna Mesopanditissa (Black Madonna image on high altar)
• Sculptures of Mary defeating plague
• Titian paintings
• Significance: This church was built in honor of Mary after the city was saved from plague. It's devotional title refers to her patroness of Good Health. The church hosts an annual festival to give thanks to Mary

Our Lady of Rouen

• Rouen Cathedral (France)
• Marian Title: Assumption of Mary, Theotokos
• Marian Features:
• Front Gothic facade featuring sculpted reliefs of the Virgin Mary 
• Stained glass windows of Marian imagery
• Chapel of the Virgin
• Madonna and Child sculptures
• Virgin of Mercy imagery
• Significance: Presents the Virgin Mary as patroness of Rouen and Normandy. Once stood as tallest building in the world

Our Lady of Lyon

• Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere (Lyon, France)
• Marian Title: Mary, Mother of Jesus
• Marian features:
• Golden statue of Mary atop the Basilica dome
• Upper basilica of Marian mosaics
• Crypt Marian chapels
• Stained glass windows with Marian images
• This amazing church demonstrates Mary as the protector of Lyon and Queen of France. It also has a rich pilgrimage tradition based on devotions to mother Mary for war, illness, protection, and intercession. The golden statue atop the basilica is a true beacon of the glory of Mary. The interior is even more jaw-dropping. 

Mother Church of the Philippines

• 
  Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Manila, Philippines)
• Marian Title: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
  
• Marian features:
• Great Bronze Statue of Mary at facade
• Marian stained glass windows
• High Altar with life-size statue of Mary
• Summary: It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception but also considered the patroness of the Philippines. This is the country's most famous church which is yet another devotion to Mary. 

Our Lady of Toledo

• Toledo Cathedral (Spain)
• Marian Title: Mary, Mother of Jesus, Assumption of Mary
• Marian features:
• Retablo Mayor (main altarpiece with Marian narrative)
• Stained glass windows with Marian cycles)
• El Transparente sunlight
• Marian sculptures and choir stalls
• Marian chapels
• Significance: This incredible church glorifies Mary in every fashion as mother of Jesus and Queen of Heaven. The sunlight installation known as El Transparente is considered a heavenly ray from Mary in heaven. 

Our Lady of Sienna

• Siena Cathedral (Italy)
• Marian Title: Mary of the Assumption
  
• Marian features:
• High altar of Marian sculptures and imagery
• Duccio's famous painting Maesta
• Marian mosaic floor with narrative images
• Stained glass windows depicting Mary
• Madonna del Voto (venerated image)
• Significance: Depicts Mary as Queen of Sienna thru lavish architecture and artwork. Duccio's painting of Maesta is considered one of the most famous Mary paintings. 

Our Lady of Strasbourg

• Strasbourg Cathedral (France)
• Marian Title: Theotokos, Queen of Heaven
• Marian features:
• West facade (Marian sculptural reliefs)
• Stained glass window (Cosmic light of Marian images)
• Astronomical clock (Marian symbolism)
• Interior sculptures and paintings of Mary
• Lady Chapel devotional space
• Significance: Dedicated to Mary as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven but also the protector of Strasbourg and the Rhine region. This is right on the border of France and Germany and once stood as the tallest building in the world from 1647 to 1874 for 227 years. 

Our Lady of Bruges

• Church of Our Lady (Bruges, Belgium)
  
• Marian Title: Theotokos, Queen of Heaven
• Marian features:
• Madonna and child statue by Michelangelo
• High altar with Marian statues
• Stained glass Marian imagery
• Lady Chapel devotional space
• Significance: This devotional church holds a gem of renaissance art in Michelangelo's Madonna sculpture. The devotion is dedicated to the protection of Bruges and demonstrates their proud Catholic heritage 

Our Lady of Leon

• Leon Cathedral (Spain)
• Marian title: Virgin Mary
• Marian features: 
• House of Light stained glass windows
• Main altarpiece depicting Mary narrative
• Marian chapels
• Marian sculptures on exterior and interior
• 
  Significance: This is considered not only an impressive church but also a pilgrimage site along the Camino de Santiago. The church is devoted to Mother of God and Queen of Heaven, and as patroness of Leon.

Our Lady of Segovia

• Segovia Cathedral (Spain)
  
• Marian Title: Lady of the Assumption
• Marian Features:
• Main altarpiece of the Chapel
• Stained glass Marian scenes
• Marian devotional chapels
• Significance: Dedicated to the Lady of the Assumption, Queen of Heaven, and patron of Segovia. 

Saint Mary Major of Marseille

• Marseille, Cathedral (France)
• Marian Title: Saint Mary Major
• Marian features:
• Apse and altar Marian imagery
• Stained glass Marian cycles
• Marian sculptures
• Significance: Uses the devotional title as Saint Mary the Great (similar to the Roman papal basilica of Mary Major). This one is a minor basilica and celebrates Mary as patron of Marseille.

Our Lady of Burgos

• Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos (Spain)
• Marian Title: Assumption of Mary
• Marian features:
• Main altarpiece
• Stained glass windows of Marian images
• Chapel of the Constable- richly decorated Marian altars
• Sculptural relief on facade exterior and interior
• Significance: It is also a major stop along the Spanish pilgrimage route known as Camino de Santiago. It's iconic front exterior is known as the facade of Saint Mary. 

Our Lady of Dolours

• Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Thrissur, India)
  
• Marian Title: Mary of Sorrows, Mary of Mercy
  
• Marian Features:
• Gothic High Altar with statue of Mary in Pieta form
• Frescoes of sorrowful Mary
• Murals depicting the Seven Sorrows
• Relics of Virgin Mary
• Summary: It is the tallest church in India and considered one of their most popular Marian shrines. It is believed to carry relics of Virgin Mary such as her veil or fabrics which makes it a popular Marian pilgrimage site. 

Our Lady of Salamanca

• Salamanca Cathedral (Spain)
• Marian Title: Assumption of Mary, Mary as Seat of Authority
• Marian features:
• Main altarpiece
• Stained glass images of Mary
• Sculpted relief images on facade
• Cloister devotion
• Chapels and altars dedicated to Mary
• Significance: This famous Spanish cathedral complex merges the old one with the new one, all of which are dedicated to the Mary's Assumption and her role as Queen of Heaven and the Church. 

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

• 
  St. Mary's Church (Krakow, Poland)
• Marian title: Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven
  
• Marian features:
• High Altar of Veit Stoss (Marian scenes)
• Artwork of Mary as Queen of Heaven
• Theme of Mary's Dormition and Assumption
• Themes of heaven
• Madonna and Child images
• Summary: This church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and is full of heavenly artwork to glorify this title. The church also reflects Mary as the patroness and protector of the city of Krakow.

Our Lady of Amiens

• Amiens Cathedral (France)
• Marian Title: Theotokos, Queen of Heaven
• Marian features:
• West facade sculptural reliefs of Mary
• High Gothic stained glass windows with Mary scenes
• Lady Chapel with statues of Virgin and Chil
• Gothic Marian statues on the interior
• Significance: Demonstrates Mary as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven with a very detailed exterior facade and stained glass windows depicting her narrative. It celebrates Mary as the model of salvation thru the life of Christ.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

• Basilcia of Saint Mary above Minerva (Italy)
  
• Marian Title: Mary, mother of Jesus
• Marian features:
• High altar with focus on Mary
• Michelangelo statue of Risen Christ
• Madonna and Child Giving Blessings (Benozzo Gozzoli)
• Icon of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
• Carafa Chapel
• Significance: This basilica sits on top of the former pagan temple of Minerva demonstrating Mary as the truth. It holds the famous Michelangelo sculpture Risen Christ. 

Mary, Queen of the World 

• Mary Queen of the World and St. James the Great Cathedral (Quebec, Canada)
• Marian Title: Queen of Heaven, Mother of the Church
• Marian features:
• Imagery of crowned Mary
• statue of Mary as queen
• Assumption Chapel
• This is quite the impressive minor basilica, that probably should have made my top 100 list. It is dedicated to Mary as Queen of the World, which is a title that is often overshadowed by her dogmatic title as Queen of Heaven. The title has a nice ring to it, and celebrates Mary not only as a Canadian patroness but one for the whole world. 

Saint Mary of the Altar of Heaven

• Basilica of Santa Maria Ara coeli (Italy)
  
• Marian Title: Queen of Heaven
• Marian Features:
• Madonna of Aracoeli (Venerated Marian image)
• Madonna and Child (Pietro Cavallini)
• Altar of Heaven with focus on Mary
• Summary: Very historic Marian devotional church, quite famous across Rome for it's long stairway. The church is celebrated for holding relics of St. Helena but also several venerated icons of Mary.

Our Lady of Laon

• Laon Cathedral (France)
• Marian Title: Theotokos, Queen of Heaven
• Marian features: 
• West facade reliefs of Mary
• Stained glass windows with heavy light
• Significance: The church is considered one of the earliest forms of Gothic architecture and glorifies Mary thru heavenly themes of the New Jerusalem. 

Our Lady of Palma

• Palma Cathedral (Spain)
• Marian Title: Assumption of the Virgin
• Marian features:
• Main altar- Focuses on the Assumption of Mary
• Gothic stained windows heavy on light, sea, and Marian symbolism
• Significance: The church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin and her role as protector of the sea since Palma is a costal city in Mallorca. The church is also famous for it's interior light and decor innovations by Gaudi. 

Saint Mary in Cosmedin

• Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin (Rome, Italy)
  
• Marian title: Mother of Jesus
• Marian features:
• Theotokos Icon
• Marian mosaics and frescoes in Byzantine style
• Summary: It's one of the earlier Marian churches dedicated in Rome in 550 AD. It celebrates Mary as the Theotokos with Greek-Christian influence.

Our Lady of Jaen

• Cathedral of the Assumption (Jaen, Spain)
• Marian Title: Our Lady of the Assumption
• Marian features:
• Main facade with Marian statues and reliefs
• Main altar depicting Assumption of Mary
• Stained glass with heavy light and Marian images
• Carafa chapel
• Significance: Dedicated to Mary's assumption as mother of God and Queen of Heaven. It is filled with Marian devotional art, but also houses a claimed relic of Veronica's Veil.  

Saint Mary of the People

• Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo (Rome, Italy)
• Marian Title: Blessed Virgin Mary, Protector of the People
• Marian Features:
• Chigi Chapel (Raphael)
• Cerasi Chapel (Caravaggio)
• Assumption of the Virgin (Annibale Carracci)
• Ape Frescoes (Pintruicchio)
• Summary: Entrusted to the Order of Saint Augustine this is also a museum of Renaissance art dedicated to the Blesesd Virgin Mary. It carries the devotional title of Mary as protector of the people (similar to the Saulus Populi Romani/Salvation of the People of Rome).

Our Lady of the Mount of Bandra

• Mount St. Mary Church (Bandra, Bombay, India)
• Marian Title: Our Lady of the Mount Carmel
• Marian features:
• Mount Mary Statue at the high altar
• Statue of the Virgin Mary of Nazareth (Mothi Saibini)
• Summary: This shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of the Mount Carmel, according to the Carmelite devotional tradition. It is considered a popular pilgrimage site for Marian devotions. 

The Glorious Virgin Mary

• Santa Maria gloriosa dei Frari (Venice, Italy)
  
• Marian Title: Assumption of Mary
• Marian features:
• Assumption of the Virgin (Titian 1518)
• Pesaro Madonna (Titian 1526)
• Theme of Mary as glorified queen
• Themes of the Assumption
• Scultpures by Titian and other great Renaissance artists
• Summary: This church dedicated to Mary is like a museum of Renaissance artwork from notable artists such as Titian and Giovanni Bellini. It is devoted to the Assumption of Mary and glorifies her a theme of heavenly artwork and shrines.

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

• Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Pondicherry, India)
• Marian Title: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
• Marian features:
• Statue of Mary in the central window of the upper facade.
• Apse of Marian mosaics above the high altar
• Side devotional Marian shrines
• Summary: It is considered one of the oldest Marian devoted churches in India.