Maria Santissima Avvocata sopra Maiori, Catholic sanctuary on Monte Falerzio, Maiori, Italy
Maria Santissima Avvocata sopra Maiori is a mountain sanctuary situated above 800 meters elevation on Monte Falerzio. The structure displays red brick construction with interior frescoes showing religious imagery tied to Marian devotion.
A shepherd's vision of the Virgin Mary in 1485 prompted the construction of an altar in a grotto on the mountainside. The sanctuary expanded over subsequent centuries as devotion grew and the site underwent various renovations and updates.
The shrine serves as a pilgrimage destination where locals and visitors gather for religious observances throughout the year. Processions bring the Madonna statue to the grotto altar during important feast days, making it a focal point for community devotion.
The sanctuary is accessible via hiking trails that depart from nearby towns and follow mountain paths through the surrounding landscape. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and plan for a demanding uphill journey to reach the site.
A newer Madonna statue replacing an older figure from the late 1500s was blessed in the early 2000s, marking a modern connection to the site's centuries-old devotional tradition. This replacement symbolizes continuity while acknowledging the passage of time.
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