The Sanctuary of Pompeii was begun on 8th May 1876 to a design by Antonio Cua and completed in 1891, it was then enlarged in 1933-39 to a design by Monsignor Spirito Chiappetta.
The Sanctuary has the title of Pontifical Basilica. Its interior, rich in marble, hemosaic frescoes, is a Latin cross with three naves with a grandiose dome (57 m.) on 4 pillars, transept with 3 naves and ambulatory around the presbytery.
Entering the Basilica from the central door, you pass under the monumental and very rich chancel by the architect. Giovanni Rispoli, with beautiful carvings, seat of one of the best Italian organs. On the High Altar is the highly venerated Madonna of Pompeii, a seventeenth-century painting by the school of Luca Giordano, restored in 1965, adorned with gems and enclosed within a rich bronze frame;
