Territorial Abbey of Montevergine

The Territorial Abbey of Montevergine sits at 1,270 meters altitude in the Partenio mountain range, featuring limestone formations and dense forest coverage.

William of Vercelli established this religious complex in 1120 on Mons Sacer, where an ancient temple of Cybele previously stood, with consecration following in 1124.

The sanctuary holds a significant 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, drawing approximately 1.5 million pilgrims each year to this spiritual center.

Visitors can reach the abbey from Mercogliano using the Montevergine funicular, which provides regular transportation service up the mountainside throughout the year.

The abbey palace exhibits an octagonal design by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro, while the modern basilica, completed in 1961, demonstrates neo-Romanesque architectural elements.

Inception: 12 century

Shares border with: Roman Catholic Diocese of Avellino

Website: http://montevergine.org

GPS coordinates: 40.91851,14.74962

Latest update: March 7, 2025 14:11