Sanctuary of the Virgin of Taburnus, Gothic religious shrine in Bucciano, Italy
The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Taburnus is a Gothic convent nestled on the southern slope of Mount Taburno, built with ribbed vaults and rounded arches. The structure spans multiple levels and connects religious spaces with natural grottos carved into the mountainside.
The convent was founded in the late 15th century by descendants of the Carafa family and then handed to Dominican friars for their religious work. The site continued to grow and develop over generations, remaining an important spiritual center in the region.
This shrine has served as a gathering place where communities came together to pray and mark important religious moments through shared observance. The way visitors move through the spaces and participate in ceremonies today still reflects this deep tradition of collective worship.
The site sits at the end of a steep mountain path that is walkable but requires sturdy footwear and patience to reach. From there, visitors can explore nearby grottos along marked trails that branch out from the main sanctuary in different directions.
Parts of the original floor remain intact and display octagonal paving stones from the late 15th century. These rare stone patterns give insight into the craftsmanship of that era and are still clearly visible for visitors to see today.
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