HISTORICAL AND RELIGIOUS OVERVIEW
After the fall of the Roman Empire (6th century AD), Calabria experienced waves of migration due to the Iconoclast persecution that began in Constantinople. Many monks fled to Calabria, particularly the northern region, where the Eparchy of Mercurion (Greek Diocese of Mercurion) was established. In some areas, this presence is still evident through Basilian monuments and spiritual traditions, while in others only ruins of ancient churches and abbeys remain. One such monastery was the Monastery of Saint Elias, believed to have existed during this era at the foot of a hill near Aieta, in the Grotte di Sant’Elia at Praia a Mare — the current Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta.
In the 7th century, the Byzantine Empire conquered Calabria. Monasteries and hermitages became spiritual and administrative centers. Until the 11th–12th centuries, when the Lombards and Normans took over, the Mercurion area remained under monastic rule. The places of worship were often simple, carved into caves, with entrances facing west. Monks led an austere life, using modest materials in isolated settings.
With the arrival of the Lombards and Normans, spiritual sites were handed over to Latin authorities, and much of the Eastern Christian influence was removed. Around the year 1000, faith was closely tied to the hardships of daily life. This led to a profound popular spirituality, often centered on the Virgin Mary, venerated under many titles, including the Assumption, as in the case of Praia.
The spread of Marian devotion and the construction of numerous churches reflected the spiritual needs of Christian communities. Sanctuaries became key spiritual and cultural landmarks — places of memory and religious tradition, often located in areas of great natural beauty. The Church of Santa Maria della Grotta in Praia a Mare was declared a diocesan sanctuary in 1987, during the Marian Holy Year.
THE SANCTUARY OF MADONNA DELLA GROTTA
One of the most important places of worship in southern Italy, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Grotta is a continuous pilgrimage site. It was built within three natural caves on Monte Vingiolo, offering a unique and breathtaking setting in a pristine, panoramic location. The sanctuary is directly connected to the historic center of Praia a Mare — known as Praia Vecchia — by a staircase carved into the rock.
In 1995, a Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) was created along the path, using small pebbles from the local beach to aid reflection and meditation.
The sanctuary consists of three interconnected caves, each with large natural openings that allow air, light, and sun to stream in during the afternoon.
Upon entering the first cave, visitors immediately see a large, rounded rock protected by an iron gate — said to be the spot where, according to legend, the statue of the Madonna and Child was placed in 1326.
To the left, in a side chamber, a permanent nativity scene was created in 1992 with donations from the faithful. In the second cave, the floor remains damp from water dripping from the ceiling. A circular holy water font stands on the right — once located between the first and second cave when the sanctuary’s entrance was there. Also on the right, several ancient tombs remain, proof that the site was used for burials until the early 1900s.
Further inside, a small chapel built in the 16th century by Bishop Tiberio Casentino houses a white marble statue of the Madonna and Child, known as the Madonna of the Snow. On the left side, visitors can observe archaeological excavations conducted by the Institute of Human Paleontology of the University of Rome — still incomplete.
A staircase to the right leads into the main chapel, a 224-square-meter cave with stunning natural rock formations and a constant trickle of fresh spring water. At the far end stands the main altar, built in 1890 by Archpriest Nicola Moliterni, funded by offerings from the faithful. In a niche above the altar is the statue of the Madonna.
Natural light streams in through a large opening near the altar, creating extraordinary visual effects. From the second cave, a short walk leads to a scenic overlook with panoramic views of Praia, Dino Island, and the Gulf of Policastro. To the right is the bell tower and rectory, built in simple, traditional style.
The sanctuary’s patronal feast takes place on August 14–15, celebrating the arrival of the Madonna at the caves of Monte Vingiolo in 1326. One of the most striking events is the sea procession. Since 1970, on the evening of August 15, a statue of the Madonna is carried from the Parish Church of the Sacred Heart to Fiuzzi beach. There, she is placed on a large boat and accompanied by a flotilla around Dino Island, finally landing near the sanctuary. On August 18, at the end of the celebrations, the statue is solemnly carried back in procession to the sanctuary.
MADONNA DELLA GROTTA
According to legend, the wooden statue of the Madonna arrived from the East by sea on August 14, 1326. A Christian captain sailed westward aboard a Levantine ship crewed by Muslims. Off the coast of Praia, the ship inexplicably ran aground. The crew, having seen the captain pray before a wooden statue he kept in his quarters, blamed the mishap on this “idol.” In anger, they demanded the statue be thrown overboard.
Heartbroken, the captain gently placed the statue in a small boat and rowed it to the nearby shore. Finding no one, but discovering a large cave facing the sea, he left the statue inside and departed.
A few days later, a mute shepherd boy wandered into the cave and found himself face to face with the Madonna. Overwhelmed, he suddenly spoke for the first time. The miracle spread quickly, and the devotion to the Madonna della Grotta grew stronger with each blessing received.
The cave became a sacred temple. The statue was moved from the rock at the entrance to a central altar. For centuries, it was venerated there — until 1979, when the original statue was stolen. Yet devotion did not wane; every August 15, more and more pilgrims continue to come from across the Tyrrhenian coast to honor her.
