The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Porto in Gimigliano, Calabria, is one of the most important Marian shrines in the region and a central site of popular piety.
The origins of the shrine date back to 1626, when Calabria was struck by a plague epidemic and earthquakes. During this time, the painter Marcangione began a painting of the Madonna di Costantinopoli. According to legend, the image was miraculously completed overnight, which was interpreted as a divine sign. This image, considered "acheropit" (not made by human hands), became a center of veneration.
Later, the Madonna appeared in a dream to a local brigand named Pietro Gatto. After his conversion, he built a small chapel, which formed the foundation stone of the present shrine.