Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Addolorata
The Sanctuary of Castelpetroso is a Neo-Gothic masterpiece by architect Gualandi, one of the foremost figures of the movement. Majestic and unique, the basilica is also a significant Catholic place of worship.
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Type of Experience
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Duration1 h
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DifficultyEasy
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Group SizeIndividuals/groups
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Suitable ForEveryone
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WhenAll year round
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Mode of TransportationBus, Own vehicle
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Departure FromCastelpetroso
On March 22, 1888, in Castelpetroso, the two shepherdesses Serafina and Bibiana wandered away from the flock to follow a lost sheep.
Attracted by a glow coming from a cave, Bibiana has a vision of the Madonna kneeling before the body of the dead Christ, gazing upward, arms outstretched, and her heart pierced by seven swords.
Later, according to tradition, a spring forms next to the cave. The water that flows from it heals the son of Carlo Acquaderni, the director of the Marian magazine Il Servo di Maria, from bone tuberculosis.
The miraculous healing prompts Acquaderni, along with Bishop Palmieri, to start a fundraising campaign for the construction of a Sanctuary.
The foundation stone is laid on September 28, 1890. The project is entrusted to the Bologna architect Gualandi, one of the leading figures of the Italian Neo-Gothic movement.
It is in this style that the basilica is constructed, with the exteriors built using local stone by the Chiocco brothers from Oratino and the Pasquini brothers from Pietrasanta.
On the three portals, three mosaics stand out, depicting the Annunciation, the Crucifixion of Christ, and the Coronation of Mary and Jesus.
