Top 13 Caves サンテジーディオデルモンテアルビーノでの

Definitely not accessible by bike, at least not at this time of year. The path is completely overgrown, and even on foot it was barely passable. But the grotto is worth the effort!

There is a natural reservoir of drinking water here. Please take care of it and do not waste water.

At the top of Mount Falerzio stands a religious complex dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Lawyer, of which the oldest part is made up of the cave. It is said that in 1485 the Virgin appeared to a shepherd from Maiori in this cave and asked him to build a place of prayer right there where she had appeared to him, introducing herself with the title of Lawyer. The shepherd built a chapel in the cave, which was later enlarged by the Camaldolese Fathers who in 1682 took custody of the convent that had arisen there. Cinnamo, in addition to the cave, made various buildings that he himself had erected a place of worship. https://www.unescoamalficoast.it/locations/grotta-dell-avvocata/ Sturdy shoes and good physical shape!

From the Pietrapiana cave to climb to the shelter on the north peak of Mount Finestra you have to take a panoramic but quite treacherous path (T3-T4), part of the "Sentiero Italia - Stage S17S" Trekking clothing, sturdy shoes and some mountaineering experience.

Going up Mount Finestra from Contropone (Cava de' Tirreni) you arrive at the caves of Pietrapiana where, in addition to the statue of the "Madonna della Pace", the statue of San Michele Arcangelo has also been placed.

The statue of Archangel Michael "San MICHELE Arcangelo" stands in this grotto with colorful wings spread wide. He is shown in a very classic way with a lance, with which he defeats the dragon, who is already lying on the ground, and who personifies evil.

At this point, an extremely fascinating grotto invites hikers to take a little spiritual rest. In his text, Gennaro dell'Aglio vividly described the construction of this local sanctuary 35 years ago. In the rear, elevated part (which can be reached via a small ladder on the rock) there is a cross with a body. Further ahead there is a statue of the Mother of God Mary, which welcomes visitors. It has been invoked under countless titles throughout the history of the church, but especially in popular piety. Here it is the “Madonna della Pace”, or Mary as Queen of Peace.

Unique emotion in a sacred and beautiful place. On 8 May 1988 the first liturgy was celebrated by my uncle "Padre Vittorio Dell'Aglio" a Franciscan friar as a foretelling during the homily that the Grotta di Pietrapiana would be the destination of many devotees and visitors to pray to Our Lady of Peace. With my close friend Antonio Marra we set off from Nocera Inferiore to arrive in Pietrapiana bringing to the Madonna della Pace a small picture in memory of my uncle who unfortunately left his earthly life on 10 April 2002 with 50 years of priesthood. For me it was a beautiful particular tour but above all exciting in knowing and knowing the story of my uncle. I highly recommend visiting this spectacular place full of joy and peace.