A stop
for those who walk.
Anyone who arrives here - pilgrim, group, school or simply curious - finds an open door, a coffee and a kind word. It is from this welcome that the whole House was born.
Born to welcome those who arrive
In March 2017 the Casa del Pellegrino opened its door for precisely this reason: to provide refreshment to those who visit the Basilica of Santa Maria della Croce and to promote the sanctuary and the culture of volunteering.
Three volunteers, four artisan cakes and two coffee machines welcomed the first bus. From there everything else grew - the restaurant, the laboratory, the cooperative - but the heart remained the same: no one passes through here without feeling welcomed.
For you and your group
Visits to the Basilica
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Croce is just a few steps away. We help you organize guided tours, even for groups.
Groups and pilgrimages
For coaches, parish groups or associations we prepare dedicated hospitality, refreshments and meals, tailored to your journey.
Stops and refreshments
A coffee, a slice of Torta del Pellegrino, a hot lunch: a real stop in the heart of Crema, to catch your breath.
Photos from the House 
Arriving, visiting, meeting again
The Basilica and the House are two moments of the same journey: a visit to organise and a table to stop at.
- Arrival of the group
- Visit to the Basilica
- Stop at the House
A Renaissance masterpiece a stone's throw from the table
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Croce, with an octagonal plan, is one of the architectural jewels of Lombardy — and we are at home right next door. We organize guided tours for groups, parishes and schools: we tell the story of the sanctuary, the miracle that led to its construction, and the details that can only be noticed with a guide.
Built starting in 1490 to a design by Giovanni Battagio, the Basilica houses Renaissance frescoes and a history of popular devotion that has lasted for over five centuries. You don't need to be a believer to be enchanted by it: just look up.
- Guided tour of approximately 45 minutes, also in multiple languages
- Coach parking and reception of groups of up to 50 people
- Stop for coffee or lunch at the House, before or after the visit
- Upon reservation, also during the week for schools and parishes
For pilgrims, free offering
For those on a pilgrimage or visiting the Basilica, there is welcome and refreshment free offer: you leave what you feel, according to your possibilities. The restaurant, however, has its own price list - because it is a social enterprise that provides real work. Two different ways of saying the same thing: there is room for everyone here.
Do you want to organize a visit?
Indicate date, number of people and if you want to stop for refreshments or lunch. We agree together on the visit, opening hours and reception of the group.
For pilgrims, in short
How much does a stop for pilgrims cost?
It's a free offer: you leave what you feel, according to your possibilities.
Do you organize visits for groups or coaches?
Yes, we help organize the visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Croce and a dedicated refreshment area for parish groups and coaches.