Plattegrond van de Basilica della Santa Casa in Loreto 1649

This is Nicolas Cochin's 'Plan of the Basilica della Santa Casa in Loreto', an engraving offering a bird's-eye view of the sacred site. At the heart of the basilica, indicated with crosses, lies the Holy House itself, believed to be the very house where the Virgin Mary received the Annunciation. The cross, emblazoned atop the house, is the most dominant symbol. The cross transcends its origin and becomes the symbol of faith itself. Yet, the cross's journey is not linear; it echoes through time, appearing in diverse forms, from the simple crosses of early Christianity to the ornate crucifixes of the Renaissance. The cross persists, evolving with each era yet always tethered to its profound origins. It serves as a potent reminder of humanity's enduring quest for meaning.