Santuario Madonna SS. della Stella

The Sanctuary of the Madonna Santissima della Stella (Our Lady of the Star) is a place of worship situated in Rotondi, approximately 2 km from the town centre.

The origins of this church are unclear. The first mention of a primitive chapel erected in honour of Our Lady of the Star in Rotondi comes from documents that mention a visit by the Archbishop of Benevento, Massimiliano De Palumbaria (1547-1607) in 1599. There is also indirect historical testimony to the church’s existence, as the remains of an ancient statue can be found within the structure. In Byzantine style, it is thought to date from the 9th-10th centuries. The remains of the statue indicate that even before the year 1000 AD and perhaps even earlier than that, some hermits had dedicated a building to the Virgin Mary.

However, work was carried out on the building in the early 18th century, and according to other sources the Sanctuary was built precisely at that time. The restoration works dating from that period include the restructuring of the “Grotta” or “Hermits’ Cells”. An open balcony was also built, into which the present-day entrance door was incorporated. The original entrance, facing towards the mountainside, was walled up. The Sanctuary’s present aspect dates back to 1905, when the white stone buttresses were consolidated along with the façade, and a bell tower was added, with a bell weighing at least 250 kg. The "Casa della Madonna", which stands behind the Sanctuary, was constructed between 1955 and 1965, together with accommodation for hermits and worshippers.

A place of worship much cherished by the local community, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella (Saint Mary of the Star) dominates the valley below, and is completely surrounded by the lush green chestnut woods of the Caudina Valley and the Partenio mountain ridge.