Santuario della Madonna dell'Adonai

Santuario della Madonna dell'Adonai is a cave sanctuary in Brucoli featuring ancient frescoes depicting the Madonna and Child. It sits overlooking the Gulf of Catania with Mount Etna visible across the water in the distance.

Founded in the 3rd century by a Christian named Publio, this sanctuary served as a refuge for persecuted Christians from Leontinoi. It became an important place for early believers during times of religious persecution.

The shrine displays one of the earliest depictions of Mary as Mater Adonai, using the Hebrew term for Lord. This reflects early Christian connections to Jewish traditions and shapes how visitors understand the place today.

The sanctuary sits along the coast and is accessible by a short walk, though the path can be uneven in places. Visitors should check opening hours before arriving, as restoration work following the 1990 earthquake may affect access.

The sanctuary lay hidden for nearly a thousand years until a shepherd rediscovered it between 1500 and 1600 while searching for a lost cow. This chance discovery during an everyday moment saved the place from being forgotten entirely.