Santuario della Madonna di Montalto, Gothic Revival shrine on Caperrina Hill, Messina, Italy
The Santuario della Madonna di Montalto is a Gothic Revival shrine standing on a hilltop above Messina, featuring twin bell towers, a chancel, and a transept. The building displays the characteristic architectural elements of its style, with interior spaces arranged to accommodate worship and prayer.
The original church was founded in 1294 following reported visions of the Virgin Mary that inspired its establishment. The current building was completely reconstructed after the devastating 1908 earthquake destroyed the earlier structure.
The shrine draws pilgrims who come to pray before the image of the Virgin Mary, a practice that has continued for generations. It remains an active place of worship where visitors can observe the devotion of local people making their spiritual journey.
The shrine sits on a hilltop and is accessible by paths from several directions, though some walking uphill is required to reach it. As an active place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and move quietly to avoid disturbing those at prayer.
The shrine houses 25 bells cast in 1929 from bronze sourced from cannons captured during World War I. This unusual origin of the material makes the bells a rare example of transforming instruments of war into objects of worship.
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