Knock Shrine

In the quiet village of Knock, County Mayo, stands one of Ireland’s most important pilgrimage sites: the Marian and Eucharistic shrine commemorating the apparition of August 21, 1879, when the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saint John the Evangelist, together with the Lamb on the altar, appeared on the wall of the parish church.

Since then, Knock Shrine has welcomed millions of pilgrims from around the world, offering a space of prayer, hope, and healing.

To honor this sacred legacy, Mosaici Donà Murano took part in the creation of the large mosaic decorating the basilica, based on an original design by Irish artist P.J. Lynch, and crafted in Italy by Travisanutto Mosaics. The work, composed of over 1.5 million glass tiles, is among the largest in Europe.

The basilica, designed by Irish architect Dáithí Hanly and inaugurated in 1976, can accommodate up to 10,000 people. In 1979, on the centenary of the apparition, Pope John Paul II elevated it to the rank of basilica, confirming its global spiritual importance.

Visiting Knock Shrine is a journey of faith and beauty — from the story of the apparition to the surrounding gardens and the museum recounting over 140 years of devotion.
The majestic mosaic, made with Murano glass tesserae, embraces the sacred space with light and color, symbolizing the union between art, faith, and craftsmanship.