CultureUpper Tyrrhenian Cosentino · Riviera dei Cedri
Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta
The rock sanctuary of Praia a Mare, in a hillside cave, with the wooden statue of the Madonna that tradition says came from the sea in 1326.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta occupies a natural cave in the hillside behind Praia a Mare and keeps a wooden statue of the Virgin and Child. Legend, handed down in the 17th century by the historian Girolamo Marafioti, has it arrive from the sea in August 1326: a Turkish ship stalled off the island of Dino and the crew, convinced the Christian image kept on board by the captain was to blame, forced him to get rid of it. The captain laid it in the cave on the shore, on a boulder that the faithful still adorn with flowers today.
It was found by a young mute shepherd from Aieta, who according to tradition regained his speech as he ran to announce it: the first miracle attributed to the Madonna della Grotta. Carried to Aieta’s mother church, the statue is said to have returned by night to its stone altar in the cave. Since then the mid-August feast has drawn pilgrims from all along the coast: the statue is paraded through the town and out to sea, accompanied by the fair and, on the evening of the 15th, by bonfires lit on the beach.
Frequently asked questions
- Because it is set in a natural cave in the hill of Praia a Mare, where tradition holds that the statue of the Madonna was left in 1326 and returned on its own after being taken to Aieta.
Why is the sanctuary called Madonna della Grotta?
More places in Praia a Mare
Itineraries through here
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4 daysGrand tourGrand Tour of the Riviera dei Cedri
Four days from north to south along the Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino coast: islands, Norman towns, murals and sanctuaries.
11 stops8 townsMay–OctoberSee the stops -
2 daysSea & beachesSea & beaches
Two days among rock arches, islands and lidos of the Cosentino Tyrrhenian coast.
4 stops4 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops -
2 daysSacred & cultureIn the footsteps of the sacred
Two days among sanctuaries and devotion, from Saint Francis of Paola to the Madonna della Grotta.
3 stops3 townsAll year roundSee the stops -
3 daysSea & beachesThree days by the sea
Three days along the Tyrrhenian coast: islands, rock arches and beaches from north to south.
6 stops5 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops -
4 daysSea & beachesFour days on the Tyrrhenian coast
Four days devoted to the sea, from San Nicola Arcella to Cetraro: arches, islands, beaches and marina.
8 stops6 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops -
3 daysFamilyFamily on the coast
Three easy days for families: beaches, murals and a boat trip to the island of Dino.
6 stops3 townsJune–SeptemberSee the stops