Commissioned in the 17th-century by Duke Ferrante III, the Santuario della Beata Vergine della Porta (Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Gate) is especially renowned for its elegant Baroque interior.

At its heart, preserved in the tabernacle, is the miraculous image of the Virgin, painted in 1646 by Damiano Padovani. Originally placed on the southern gate of the town, the icon is tied to a miracle still alive in local memory, as recalled in the church’s collection of ex-votos. Construction of the Sanctuary was entrusted to the Reggio architect Prospero Mattioli. The first stone was laid on 20 August 1693 in the presence of Duchess Maria Vittoria. By early 1701 the temple was nearly complete, and the sacred image was transferred inside, although consecration would only take place in 1709. The church’s exterior is marked by a broad pronaos with three arches, while its façade alternates pilasters and frames in a rhythmic composition. Four monumental niches house the statues of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Charles Borromeo (above) and of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (below), faithful replicas of the 18th-century originals. The interior follows a Latin cross-plan, with a central nave surmounted by a dome. In deep niches above the transept and presbytery stand twelve statues of prophets, sculpted in 1786 by Giovanni Morini of Viadana. Four coats of arms crown the arches: three of the Gonzaga family, while the fourth, and one of the city of Guastalla - a crowned lion rampant on a blue field - placed near the Crucifix altar. Above the entrance, the choir’s gallery is decorated with carved musical instruments.

In September 2022, after eleven years of post earthquake restoration, the Sanctuary reopened to worship.
(Further information available at site www.madonnadellaporta.org - Italian only)