Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime

The Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime is a Roman Catholic church located in the historic city centre of Siracusa, Italy. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church is the result of a 1987 earthquake which caused a young girl to see a tear on a 16th century painting of the Virgin. Painted by an anonymous artist in 16th century, the painting was found intact after the earthquake in the same place where it originally hung. Visitors to the sanctuary can observe the painting in its natural location as well as statues of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Family and many other artifacts. Inside the basilica is a crypt, which contains the bodies of deceased Solidarity Workers. The Basilica also offers a museum of Sacred Art, with several works of art from the 16th century until today.