Educational Media Reviews Online

The Holy House of Loreto, Italy is a common pilgrimage destination which, according to tradition, is the house where the Virgin Mary grew up and where an angel appeared and declared to her that she would be the mother of Jesus. The house is said to have been carried by angels to various spots in the middle ages, including its current resting spot in Loreto. Loreto: The Mystery of the Holy House explores this mystery, uncovering the known facts about its history in order to evaluate the legitimacy of these claims.

The film analyzes evidence supporting the Palestinian origin of the Holy House, such as the types of stones and mortar being those used in Palestine during the time of Jesus Christ; and that the structure, orientation, and lack of foundation of the house indicate a very different origin than its current location. Various historical accounts are cited, including documents in the Vatican Library that speak of the dismantlement and move of the house from the Holy Land at the end of the Crusades, but also physical evidence against the possibility of such a move. Tracing the history of the house first from a town in Croatia, then to various locations in Italy, ultimately leads to more questions about why it was moved so many times. The film deftly draws conclusions without attempting to pass definitive judgment on the Holy House’s past and origin.

The production standards are very good, with dynamic photography, reenactments, and 3D computer models to visualize the house and evidence. The narrator speaks quickly, which requires an attentive audience, but more information is packed in as a result. Loreto: The Mystery of the Holy House is an intriguing look at how a religious tradition and historical facts often both contrast and complement one another in the study of a centuries old puzzle.