Santuario S. Maria di Carpignano

The Santuario of S. Maria di Carpignano stands just outside the centre of Grottaminarda, in the hamlet also named Carpignano.

Inaugurated in 1861, the Church belongs to the Teutonic Order. In 1901 it passed to the Mercedarian Fathers. The Parish of Santa Maria di Carmignano was formed by episcopal bull in 1910.

Wars and earthquakes, including the most recent seismic activity in November 1980, have seriously damaged the cupola and vault, but after each event the Church has been quickly rebuilt, altered and extended. Today, the plain gabled façade features a stone portal surmounted by an alcove containing the image of the Virgin Mary, flanked by a bell tower on five levels, with oculi, vaulted windows and a clock. 

The interior of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Carpignano contains a high altar, behind which is a historic painting of the Virgin and Child dating back to the mid-12th century. This historic icon of Mary, to whom the local community is strongly devoted, is one of the few representations of “Black Madonnas” kept in the local places of worship. 

The strong ties to the spirit of charity and devotion transmitted by the Mercedarian Fathers and the profound devotion to the Virgin Mary form the spiritual and religious heritage of the local community, which is tied to this small Sanctuary, a destination for pilgrims from the Ufita Valley.