Adventures in Verona: A Walk to Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes

Words and photos by Kris L’Heureux

My study abroad experience taught me a lot about strength and ambition, and how much I unexpectedly had. In the main street of Verona, there is a sanctuary on top of a tall hill, called Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes. You can’t miss it it’s even in some town souvenirs!

I saw this beautiful structure every time I stepped foot outside. And for some reason, I ignored the fact that I have exercise-induced asthma and said to myself “I’m gonna go there!” And I did. It was May 24th, and I almost stranded myself on top of a mountain with my ambitious idea. For anyone planning this walk, please bring a lot of water, a charged phone, let your friends know you’re going, and take your time. I also don’t recommend doing this on one of the hottest days of the week– which wasn’t intentional, but my professor still is shocked to this day about my adventure. I did everything I was not supposed to, and even freaked myself out a little, but that’s all what studying abroad is about, right?

Initially, I was just exploring the city to run a couple of errands when I got this idea. I went to check for mass times since the sanctuary has a Catholic church, and I made my way up there to attend mass. With no prior knowledge, and just putting the address in my phone's GPS, it was honestly a little scary at first. The path to go there didn’t seem like regular roads, the walkways were skinny, cars drove up there fast, and I was in a neighborhood where I didn’t really know where I was. I second-guessed myself a lot, especially when the path became walking through the forest. Since nearly the entire walk was uphill or up stairs, I became exhausted very quickly, and I ran out of water, and, as I mentioned, I also have asthma. I remember thinking to myself, if something were to happen, I have no clue how to tell my location or how someone would find me. My phone was also about to die, which didn’t help at all. The walk was really rough, and I prayed to God to give me the strength to keep going so I could make it to mass. I felt like the trail was never-ending, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to pass out or not. Completely of my fault for being so unprepared!

I eventually finally made my way to the sanctuary, and the view blew my mind. I somehow made it the minute mass was going to start. I felt very out of place. I was sweating like crazy, dressed in my regular attire of ripped pants and a t-shirt, and I didn’t speak Italian. There were only about five people who attended the service, but I sat down and prayed and enjoyed the fact that I made it. It didn’t matter to me that it wasn’t in English– more the ways to experience Italian culture. An older lady there, towards the end of mass, handed me a book with the prayer (in Italian) they started to say. I’m not sure how she knew I was unfamiliar with the prayers, but her willingness to help made me smile. One of my favorite parts of traveling abroad is interacting with locals, even if they’re really short moments.

After the mass, I lit a candle and prayed, and made my way back outside to see the lovely scenery. There were beautiful statues of saints and a breathtaking view of the city. I video-chatted with my mom because I was so excited to show her everything, with the little battery I had left. I am determined to take her one day—as determined as I was to make it to the top of this hill.

With a phone on 2%, and being in a part of Verona that was not recognizable to me, alone, despite the walk being easier, it was nearly just as nerve-racking. However, feeling so happy, I started running down the hill. I was basically galloping at that point, and feeling the breeze going down. I’ve never done that before, but it might’ve been because I never had the space to do so. The feeling of accomplishment and joy simply overcame the nervousness, and I wanted to frolic the entire country. I am glad there was little to no witnesses, or I would’ve been very embarrassed.

By no means do I regret this experience, or wish it was done differently. Even with mistakes I would heavily advise against, it’s moments like this that made me realize how strong I was. How awesome it was to just pick an adventure and go for it, without anything in the world being able to stop you (but almost!). I’ve never felt this sense of freedom and joy before, and I don’t think I would’ve if I didn’t go abroad. I didn’t know I was so strong to take on such an impulsive and difficult commitment. Not only did I do it, but I came out so much happier than I ever expected to be. My professor said most students didn’t even dare to take that hike. I can see why– especially when a taxi ride is very accessible, but the courage that gave me for the future was very unexpected. I didn’t even know this long walk had a reputation.

Needless to say, I would love to visit again, but maybe not on foot.

Thanks Kris!