My return visit to the Holy House in Loreto is by far the highlight of my journey in Italy. According to legend it was brought to Loreto from Nazareth by angels in 1294. The small sanctuary is believed to be the birth place of the virgin Mary and also the house where the divine mystery of the immaculate conception took place.
Scholars believe, the house which was attached to a grotto in Nazareth is where Jesus lived as a boy. For two or three centuries following the crucifixion the property remained with the family of Jesus. His descendants were the custodians of both the grotto and the house. They later built a synagogue-like church over the house. Excavations of the ruins revealed an archaeological treasure. Greek inscriptions on the old stones read, Ave Maria (Xaine Maria) and Holy Abode of Mary. 
Today this beautiful home of Mary rests inside a magnificent basilica in central Italy.

It matters not what you believe but rather that you keep an open mind and visit the possibility of what this sacred house represents. Surrounded by a beautiful basilica the Holy House itself is very small. The town of Loreto owes its origins to this sacred house, often called Mary's house.