The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow) of Calabritto is located in the town of the same name, on the edge of a mountainous cliff in the Upper Sele Valley.
The Sanctuary, located next to the Monastery of Santa Maria dell'Alta Sede (Saint Mary of the High Seat), was rebuilt after the earthquake of 23 November 1980 with the same original architectural structure.
The façade features an elegant stone portal, while the square-shaped bell tower preserves two bells. The interior is divided into a nave and two aisles, and in the niche at the end of the nave is the 18th-century wooden sculpture of Our Lady of the Snow. At the end of the aisles are two sculptures of Saint Gaetano and Our Lady of the Rosary. The entrance to the sacristy, located on the right, is adorned with another precious stone portal, originating from the Church of San Michele Arcangelo (Saint Michael the Archangel), destroyed after the earthquake.
The place where the Sanctuary stands is very dear to the Calabritto community, which gathers there every year on 5 August for the religious celebrations in honour of Our Lady of the Snow. Popular legend has it that on that date the Virgin Mary caused a heavy snowfall, which was greeted with amazement by the townspeople, who cried out for a miracle and decided to perpetuate the memory of that incredible event by building a sanctuary in her honour.
Located in an area of great natural charm, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow) induces visitors and devotees to a moment of spiritual meditation and contemplation of the natural wonders of the Sele Valley.
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Open during the hours of religious services
Santuario di Maria SS. della Neve di Calabritto
Località Madonna della Neve, 83040 Calabritto AV, Italia
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