Santuario di Maria Santissima di Valverde

The Santuario di Maria Santissima di Valverde is a baroque shrine distinguished by its white stone entrance portal carved with the coat of arms of the Riggio princes. Inside, multiple altars are decorated with religious artworks and dedicated to various holy figures.

This shrine was consecrated in 1296 in the presence of Frederick III of Aragon, King of Sicily, marking its establishment as a sacred site. It withstood the powerful 1693 Val di Noto earthquake far better than other regional structures.

The community holds this place close to heart, especially during the last weekend of August when processions move through the village and locals gather for religious celebrations. The shrine remains a center for devotion among residents who visit throughout the year.

The shrine is open to visitors at regular times and hosts religious masses throughout the week, with detailed scheduling available by contacting them directly. Calling ahead is wise if you need specific access information or plan your visit around services.

During the 1693 earthquake that brought widespread destruction to the region, the pillar holding the Madonna image remarkably remained unharmed while surrounding structures suffered greatly. This unusual survival sparked deep reverence within the local community.