According to tradition, the cult dates back to the 12th century and is linked to the figure of Berardo dei Marsi, a local saint who went to pray in the cave.
The cave is famous for its cycle of frescoes dating back to the second half of the 13th century, created by a local artist with references to Byzantine art.
The apse arch depicts the Madonna enthroned breastfeeding the Child Jesus (known as “Virgo Lactans”), on whose sides appear Saint Lucia and Saint Margherita, while Saint Biagio and Saint Michael the Archangel close the pictorial cycle.
On the back wall is the representation of Christ Pantocrator flanked by two angels.
The cave is linked to numerous popular traditions: it is said, for example, that the Madonna left a braid of hair petrified in the rock and that resting the head in a particular hollow provides benefits against migraines.