Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Basilica della Santa Casa Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Basilica della Santa Casa and the Holy House of Loreto

Cheat Sheet:
The Basilica della Santa Casa and the Holy House of Loreto Study Guide

The Legend of the Miraculous Translation

According to legend, the Holy House of Loreto was transported from Nazareth to Italy by human sailors.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pious legends consistently attribute the transportation of the Holy House from Nazareth to Italy to angelic beings, not human sailors.

Return to Game

Tradition holds that the Holy House was where Mary was born and received the Annunciation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tradition asserts that the Holy House was the site of Mary's birth and upbringing, as well as the location where she received the Annunciation.

Return to Game

The Holy House was moved only once between 1295 and 1296.

Answer: False

Explanation: Between 1295 and 1296, the Holy House was reportedly moved three times: to a hill near Recanati, to Monte Prodo, and finally to its current location in Loreto.

Return to Game

The "Translation by Angelos/Angeli family theory" suggests angels physically carried the house.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Translation by Angelos/Angeli family theory" posits that an aristocratic Byzantine family named Angelos (meaning "angels") was involved in transporting the house, not that angels themselves performed the transport.

Return to Game

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich claimed to witness the Holy House being transported by land.

Answer: False

Explanation: Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich described visions of the Holy House being transported over the sea by angels, not by land.

Return to Game

What is the primary relic believed to be enshrined within the Basilica della Santa Casa?

Answer: The house where the Virgin Mary lived

Explanation: The principal relic enshrined within the Basilica della Santa Casa is the Holy House itself, traditionally believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary lived.

Return to Game

According to legend, what entities were responsible for transporting the Holy House from Nazareth to Italy?

Answer: Angelic beings

Explanation: Pious legends consistently state that the Holy House was miraculously transported by angelic beings.

Return to Game

In which Croatian town was the Holy House first deposited according to the traditional account of 1291?

Answer: Tersatto

Explanation: The traditional account states that the Holy House was first deposited in Tersatto (modern Trsat, Croatia) in 1291.

Return to Game

Which theory suggests that an aristocratic Byzantine family named Angelos was involved in transporting the Holy House?

Answer: The "Translation by Angelos/Angeli family theory"

Explanation: The "Translation by Angelos/Angeli family theory" proposes that members of the aristocratic Byzantine Angelos family were instrumental in transporting the Holy House.

Return to Game

Historical Context and Documentation

The Holy House was first translated to Recanati, Italy, in 1291.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the traditional account, the first translation in 1291 brought the Holy House to Tersatto (modern Trsat, Croatia), before subsequent moves to Recanati and Loreto.

Return to Game

The name "Loreto" is derived from the Latin word for "laurel tree."

Answer: True

Explanation: The name "Loreto" is believed to derive from the Latin word *lauretum*, meaning "laurel grove" or "laurel tree."

Return to Game

The documented history of the Holy House dates back to the early 13th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The earliest documented history of the Holy House tradition can be traced only to the close of the Crusades, around the 14th century, not the early 13th century.

Return to Game

The first detailed mention of the Holy House tradition appears in a 15th-century leaflet.

Answer: True

Explanation: The earliest detailed account of the Holy House tradition is found in a leaflet written by Teramano in 1472, which falls within the 15th century.

Return to Game

The Jubilee Year of Loreto was extended to 2021 primarily to celebrate the basilica's completion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Jubilee Year was extended into 2021 primarily due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, not to celebrate the basilica's completion.

Return to Game

Giuseppe de Rossi served as the chapel master at the Basilica from 1711 to 1719.

Answer: False

Explanation: Giuseppe de Rossi served as the maestro di cappella (chapel master) at the Basilica della Santa Casa from 1701 through 1711, not from 1711 to 1719.

Return to Game

The documented history of the Holy House can be traced back to which period?

Answer: The close of the Crusades (around the 14th century)

Explanation: The documented history of the Holy House tradition primarily dates back to the close of the Crusades, around the 14th century.

Return to Game

Why was the Jubilee Year of Loreto extended into 2021?

Answer: Due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Explanation: The Jubilee Year was extended into 2021 primarily because the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to planned events and pilgrimages.

Return to Game

What role did Giuseppe de Rossi hold at the Basilica della Santa Casa from 1701 through 1711?

Answer: Maestro di cappella (chapel master)

Explanation: Giuseppe de Rossi served as the maestro di cappella (chapel master) at the Basilica della Santa Casa during the period of 1701 to 1711.

Return to Game

Architectural Significance and Dimensions

The Basilica della Santa Casa is primarily known for enshrining the tomb of Saint Peter.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Basilica della Santa Casa is renowned for enshrining the Holy House, traditionally believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary lived, not the tomb of Saint Peter.

Return to Game

The Basilica della Santa Casa is predominantly a Renaissance architectural style.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Renaissance elements were incorporated, the Basilica della Santa Casa is primarily characterized as a Late Gothic structure.

Return to Game

Donato Bramante was the sole architect responsible for the Basilica della Santa Casa's design.

Answer: False

Explanation: Donato Bramante contributed significantly to the design and renovation plans, but he was not the sole architect; others like Giuliano da Maiano and Giuliano da Sangallo were also involved.

Return to Game

The campanile, or bell tower, of the basilica stands approximately 200 feet tall.

Answer: False

Explanation: The campanile stands at a height of approximately 75.6 meters (248 feet), not 200 feet.

Return to Game

The campanile of the basilica was designed by Giuliano da Sangallo.

Answer: False

Explanation: The richly decorated campanile was designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, not Giuliano da Sangallo.

Return to Game

The principal bell in the campanile weighs approximately 11 pounds.

Answer: False

Explanation: The principal bell in the campanile weighs approximately 11 tons, not 11 pounds.

Return to Game

The Holy House is known in Italian as the "Casa Santa di Loreto."

Answer: False

Explanation: The Holy House is known in Italian as the "Santa Casa di Loreto," not "Casa Santa di Loreto."

Return to Game

The Holy House is constructed from three wooden walls.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Holy House is composed of three stone walls, not wooden ones.

Return to Game

The Holy House measures approximately 9.4 meters in length.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Holy House measures approximately 9.4 meters (31 feet) in length.

Return to Game

Raffaello da Montelupo was the primary artist responsible for sculpting the marble screen.

Answer: True

Explanation: Raffaello da Montelupo, along with assistants and pupils, executed the majority of the sculpture for the marble screen surrounding the Holy House.

Return to Game

The marble screen surrounding the Holy House depicts scenes from the life of Christ.

Answer: False

Explanation: The marble screen depicts four specific scenes: the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Arrival of the Santa Casa at Loreto, and the Nativity of the Virgin, rather than a general depiction of Christ's life.

Return to Game

Which architect designed the richly decorated campanile (bell tower) of the basilica?

Answer: Luigi Vanvitelli

Explanation: The campanile was designed by Luigi Vanvitelli and constructed between 1750 and 1754.

Return to Game

What is the primary architectural style of the Basilica della Santa Casa?

Answer: Late Gothic

Explanation: The Basilica della Santa Casa is primarily characterized by its Late Gothic architectural style.

Return to Game

What is the Italian name for the Holy House of Loreto?

Answer: Santa Casa di Loreto

Explanation: The Holy House is known in Italian as the "Santa Casa di Loreto."

Return to Game

What are the approximate dimensions of the Holy House itself?

Answer: 31 feet long by 13 feet wide

Explanation: The Holy House measures approximately 31 feet long by 13 feet wide (9.4 m x 4.0 m).

Return to Game

Who designed the sculpted marble screen that surrounds the Holy House?

Answer: Donato Bramante

Explanation: The sculpted marble screen surrounding the Holy House was designed by Donato Bramante.

Return to Game

What is the approximate height of the Basilica della Santa Casa's campanile?

Answer: 75.6 meters

Explanation: The campanile, or bell tower, of the basilica stands at an approximate height of 75.6 meters (248 feet).

Return to Game

Sacred Art, Relics, and Patronage

The "Our Lady of Loreto" image was designated as the patroness of air passengers by Pope Pius XI.

Answer: False

Explanation: The designation of Our Lady of Loreto as the patroness of air passengers was made by Pope Benedict XV in 1920, not Pope Pius XI.

Return to Game

The original Marian image enshrined in the Basilica was lost during a fire in 1921.

Answer: True

Explanation: The original Marian image, carved from Cedar of Lebanon wood, was indeed destroyed in a fire that occurred on February 23, 1921.

Return to Game

Pope Sixtus V commissioned the construction of the basilica's main bronze doors.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pope Sixtus V commissioned the facade of the church and fortified Loreto. The basilica's main bronze doors were executed under Pope Paul V, attributed to Girolamo Lombardo and his workshop.

Return to Game

Mosaics by Michelangelo and Raphael can be found in the interior of the basilica.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mosaics in the interior of the basilica are attributed to artists such as Domenichino and Guido Reni, not Michelangelo and Raphael.

Return to Game

A jeweled image of the Holy Family is housed in the niche above the altar within the Holy House.

Answer: False

Explanation: The niche above the altar houses a jeweled image of the Virgin and Child, not the Holy Family.

Return to Game

Stylistic analysis suggests the original statue of Our Lady of Loreto was carved in the 15th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: While legend attributes the original statue to Saint Luke, stylistic analysis indicates it was likely created in the 15th century.

Return to Game

The original statue of Our Lady of Loreto was stolen by Ottoman soldiers in 1797.

Answer: False

Explanation: The original statue was stolen by Napoleonic troops in 1797, not Ottoman soldiers.

Return to Game

The Hall of the Treasury contains votive offerings and liturgical objects dating back to the medieval period.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hall of the Treasury dates from the early 17th century and contains votive offerings and liturgical objects, but the source does not specify a medieval origin for these items.

Return to Game

Cristoforo Roncalli, known as Pomarancio, created the frescoes in the Hall of the Treasury.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cristoforo Roncalli, also known as Pomarancio, created the frescoes adorning the vaulted ceiling of the Hall of the Treasury.

Return to Game

Napoleon's troops looted the basilica's treasury in 1797.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Napoleonic campaigns, French troops sacked the church in 1797 and looted its treasury.

Return to Game

The Black Madonna was returned to Loreto in 1801 after being held in Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: The original statue, often referred to as the Black Madonna, was returned to Loreto by 1821, not 1801, after being held in Paris.

Return to Game

Early papal support for the Loreto tradition, like Pope Julius II's Bull, used definitive language affirming the miracle.

Answer: False

Explanation: Early papal documents, such as Pope Julius II's Bull of 1507, employed cautious language like "as is piously believed and reported to be," rather than definitive statements affirming the miracle.

Return to Game

Pope Benedict XVI entrusted the World Synod of Bishops to the Virgin of Loreto during his 2012 visit.

Answer: True

Explanation: During his visit in 2012, Pope Benedict XVI entrusted the World Synod of Bishops and the Year of Faith to the protection of the Virgin of Loreto.

Return to Game

Pope Francis added invocations related to migrants and hope to the Litany of Loreto in 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2020, Pope Francis introduced three new invocations into the Litany of Loreto: "Mother of mercy," "Mother of hope," and "Solace of migrants."

Return to Game

The "Litany of Loreto" is a specific type of prayer dedicated to Saint Joseph.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Litany of Loreto" is the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, not a prayer dedicated to Saint Joseph.

Return to Game

The feast day for Our Lady of Loreto is celebrated on November 1st.

Answer: False

Explanation: The feast day for Our Lady of Loreto is celebrated on December 10th.

Return to Game

In 1920, the Madonna of Loreto was declared the patron saint of bakers.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1920, the Madonna of Loreto was declared the patroness of air passengers and aviators, not bakers.

Return to Game

Religious art sometimes depicts the Santa Casa being carried by angels.

Answer: True

Explanation: Artistic representations of the Santa Casa occasionally depict it being transported by angels, aligning with the legendary accounts.

Return to Game

The Apollo 8 mission carried a Loreto medallion to the Moon.

Answer: True

Explanation: A medallion associated with Our Lady of Loreto was carried aboard the Apollo 8 mission during its journey to the Moon.

Return to Game

What event led to the destruction of the original Marian image of Our Lady of Loreto?

Answer: A fire in 1921

Explanation: The original Marian image was destroyed in a fire that occurred on February 23, 1921.

Return to Game

Who commissioned the facade of the church, and also granted Loreto town privileges in 1586?

Answer: Pope Sixtus V

Explanation: Pope Sixtus V commissioned the facade of the church and granted Loreto the privileges of a town in 1586.

Return to Game

What action did Napoleon's troops take when they sacked the church in 1797?

Answer: They looted the treasury.

Explanation: In 1797, Napoleon's troops looted the basilica's treasury during their sack of the church.

Return to Game

What is the feast day for Our Lady of Loreto?

Answer: December 10th

Explanation: The feast day commemorating Our Lady of Loreto is observed on December 10th.

Return to Game

In 2020, which Pope added three new invocations to the Litany of Loreto?

Answer: Pope Francis

Explanation: Pope Francis added three new invocations to the Litany of Loreto in 2020.

Return to Game

What is the "Litany of Loreto"?

Answer: The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Explanation: The "Litany of Loreto" is the common name for the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the approved litanies for public recitation in the Catholic Church.

Return to Game

Which famous aviator carried a statuette of Our Lady of Loreto during his 1927 transatlantic flight?

Answer: Charles Lindbergh

Explanation: Charles Lindbergh carried a statuette of Our Lady of Loreto during his pioneering 1927 transatlantic flight.

Return to Game

Which artists are mentioned as having created mosaics within the interior of the basilica?

Answer: Domenichino and Guido Reni

Explanation: Mosaics within the basilica's interior are attributed to artists such as Domenichino and Guido Reni.

Return to Game

How is the Santa Casa sometimes represented in religious art?

Answer: Being carried by angels.

Explanation: In some religious art, the Santa Casa is depicted being carried by angels, reflecting the legendary accounts of its miraculous transport.

Return to Game

The Apollo 8 mission, which journeyed to the Moon, carried what item related to Our Lady of Loreto?

Answer: A medallion

Explanation: The Apollo 8 mission carried a medallion associated with Our Lady of Loreto on its historic journey to the Moon.

Return to Game

Authenticity Debates and Counter-Arguments

The controversy surrounding the Holy House's miraculous flight is described as attracting universal devotion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The controversy surrounding the miraculous flight has been characterized as attracting "the ridicule of one half of the world and the devotion of the other," indicating a division rather than universal devotion.

Return to Game

Archaeological arguments supporting the Holy House's authenticity include the claim that the stones match 1st-century Nazareth.

Answer: True

Explanation: Arguments supporting authenticity include the assertion that the house's stones and mortar are consistent with those found in 1st-century Nazareth.

Return to Game

A 16th-century investigation found that the Holy House's dimensions did not match foundations in Nazareth.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 16th-century investigation, ordered by Pope Clement VII, reportedly found that the dimensions of the Holy House in Loreto precisely matched those of foundations discovered in Nazareth.

Return to Game

A major counter-argument against the Holy House tradition is the existence of records detailing its disappearance from Nazareth.

Answer: False

Explanation: A significant counter-argument is the absence of any records detailing the house's disappearance from Nazareth, rather than the existence of such records.

Return to Game

Herbert Thurston proposed that veneration for the Holy House originally belonged to a statue.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholar Herbert Thurston suggested that the veneration initially focused on a miracle-working statue or image brought from Dalmatia, which was later transferred to the building itself.

Return to Game

Which Pope ordered a 16th-century investigation that compared the Holy House's dimensions to foundations in Nazareth?

Answer: Pope Clement VII

Explanation: Pope Clement VII ordered a 16th-century investigation to compare the dimensions of the Holy House with foundations found in Nazareth.

Return to Game

What is cited as archaeological evidence supporting the Holy House's authenticity?

Answer: Similar graffiti found in both Loreto and Nazareth

Explanation: Archaeological arguments cited in favor of authenticity include the presence of similar graffiti found in both Loreto and Nazareth.

Return to Game

What is a significant counter-argument against the traditional chronology and origin of the Holy House?

Answer: No mention of the translation exists before the 17th century

Explanation: A key counter-argument is the lack of any mention of the Holy House's translation in historical records prior to the mid-15th century (around 1472), nearly 180 years after the purported event.

Return to Game

Associated Traditions and Lore

A competing tradition places the Annunciation at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: A competing tradition locates the Annunciation at or near the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, not the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome.

Return to Game

The legend of Walsingham, England, claims its "Our Lady's house" was built by local artisans.

Answer: False

Explanation: The legend of Walsingham states that its "Our Lady's house" was reputedly moved and erected by angels, not built by local artisans.

Return to Game

What is the competing tradition regarding the site of the Annunciation?

Answer: It occurred at or near the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

Explanation: A competing tradition posits that the Annunciation took place at or near the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

Return to Game