The Sanctuary of Madonna dell'Angelo

The Sanctuary of Madonna dell'Angelo is the most beloved church of the inhabitants of Caorle, because it contains a statue of the Virgin Mary, who protects the fishermen and the city. It also contains a marble throne that the fishermen saw floating on the water, together with an image of the Virgin. It was brought to shore with fishing nets and placed where the church stands today. The church bell tower is also a lighthouse. Every five years (the next time will be in September 2010) the statue of the Virgin is taken in procession from the "Madonnina" to the Cathedral and then to the fishing port, where it is placed on a boat and taken out to sea, with a solemn procession made up of all the boats of the Caorle marine. During this spectacular event everyone sings a song dedicated to the Virgin: "At first light the seaside town awakens and at sunset the nearby, sweet church bell tolls. The happy fisherman travels under a thousand silver stars and kneels before the Virgin, telling her softly, “Virgin of the Sea, don’t forget me, I’m going far off to fish, but my sweetest thoughts are for you,” sings the fisherman as he goes. “Virgin of the Sea, with you my heart is safe.””