Santuario della Madonna della Libera, Religious sanctuary in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy
Santuario della Madonna della Libera is a sanctuary built directly into the mountainside of Monte San Cataldo, with its interior carved partly from the living rock. The interior features three narrow naves, the central one containing pews while the side naves hold small chapels.
In the early 10th century, Benedictine monks painted a Madonna image in a natural rock niche. In the 15th century, Isabella del Giglio built a chapel to enclose this sacred spot.
The sanctuary takes its name from a Byzantine Madonna image found within the rock face, which visitors encounter immediately upon entering. This sacred figure remains the spiritual focal point that draws people to the site.
The sanctuary is located at Via Madonna della Libera and accessed via a winding road from the Sorrentine highway. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the approach involves climbing up the mountainside to reach the entrance.
The rock-carved Madonna is believed by locals to possess healing powers, drawing visitors across generations. The community gathers regularly at the shrine to honor and seek protection from this sacred image.
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