The modern building, derided by some as an inverted ice-cream cone, dominates the skyline of the approach to Ortigia.

Others objected to the construction of such a pretentious structure to honour the putative miracle, occurring from August 29 to September 1, 1953, when a plaster icon of the Madonna of the Immaculate Heart was claimed to have shed tears for an indigent local couple, including a fisherman husband.

In 2002 Pope John Paul II elevated the sanctuary to the status of a minor basilica.

Atop the dome is a gilded bronze statue of the Madonna in rings with rays, by Francesco Caldarella.

The square altar with a bronze base, has four panels depicting scenes from the Apocalyptic visions of the Book of Revelation.