One of the best known views is Monte Grappa. Some other sites that can be viewed are the foothills of the Alps (Dolomites), along with the Lessini hills, Venetian Lagoon, Mount Pasubio, Piave River, and many other sites in Veneto. The Madonna The statue of the Virgin Mary was sculpted by Nicolò da Venezia in 1430, two years after the second apparition to a local peasant named Vincenza Pasini. Restoration The original basilica has been restored repeatedly during the centuries, sometimes with famous architects such as Palladio, Piovene and Miglioranza. All these changes are still visible today. Architecture The stairs constructed in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1595 were ordered by Giacomo Bragadin, a leading figure of the Republic of Venice in Vicenza. The stairway terminates in a small open clearing halfway up the hill where there is a view of the city below. This walkway currently connects the city with the Sanctuary of the Madonna. These stairs were designed and built by Francesco Muttoni on March 7, 1746. The total length of the stairs is around 700 meters, consisting of 150 arches, grouped in tens. Each group is divided to symbolize the 15 mysteries and the 150 Hail Marys in the rosary. The church contains a number of artworks, including: The supper of St Gregory by Paolo Veronese (1572). The supper of St. Gregory recalls an event wherein, Gregory who always dined with 12 individuals to recall the last supper, once found that while dining an unexpected pilgrim arrived . Later this pilgrim identified himself as Jesus. The monkey in chain supposedly symbolizes paganism; while the dog symbolizes the power of fealty. Pietà by Bartolomeo Montagna (early 1500s) Virgin with four evangelists and the Baptism of Christ, by Alessandro Maganza The main altarpiece depicts an ‘’Allegory of the people of Vicenza present the church of Monte Berico to the Virgin’’ by Giulio Carpioni. External links Sanctuary Monte Berico's Web site Comune di Vicenza Museum of the Sanctuary Roman Catholic churches in Vicenza Minor basilicas in Veneto Shrines to the Virgin Mary 17th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in Italy Baroque architecture in Vicenza Roman Catholic churches completed in 1703 1430 establishments in Europe 15th-century establishments in Italy