ボンピエトロ周辺のアトラクション＆必見スポット - トップ19

The dedication of this shrine, dedicated to the Madonna, refers to the town of Loreto. This is one of the major and most important Marian pilgrimage sites in Europe, along with Lourdes in the French Pyrenees and Fatima in Portugal. Unlike the other two, however, Loreto is not known for apparitions of the Virgin Mary. There, pilgrims can see something very tangible: the house where Mary grew up in Nazareth (Israel). Her parents—not mentioned by name in the biblical writings of the New Testament—are named in apocryphal traditions: Saint Anne and Saint Joachim are thus the grandparents of Jesus Christ (their feast day in the liturgical calendar is July 26). It is likely that Crusaders, as the era of the Christian kingdoms in the Holy Land came to an end towards the end of the 13th century, dismantled the venerated building in Nazareth and transported it to Europe. However, this very sober assumption is contrasted by a much more interesting legend: According to this legend, four angels carried out the translation and flew the house across the Mediterranean.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Alto, located at 1,819 meters on Monte Alto, is one of the highest Marian shrines in Italy and offers a sweeping view of Sicily. On clear days, it is said that from here you can see much of the island, all the way to Mount Etna, and sometimes even the sea.

Beautifully situated village on the edge of the Madonie Park

"In 2012, a man named Salvo Valenti claimed to have had visions of the Archangel Michael, who ordered him to place a painting of St. Michael in a wooden votive shrine near a spring in the Madonie mountains, at an altitude of 1,300 meters. This site has become a pilgrimage destination, even though the Curia does not officially recognize it as a sanctuary. The story is shrouded in mystery and devotion, and the painting continues to inspire the faithful who go there to pray and reflect."

Unfortunately, when I visited in May 2024 it was completely covered in clouds. But normally there is a fantastic view of the Madonie.

A place dedicated to the Archangel San Michele with a holy spring.

Even if you are not interested in the statue, you should visit this place because you have a great view.

I have been there several times and have never seen the church open. But the place is still very beautiful, especially the panoramic path to the right of the church.