Madonna della Coltura, Minor basilica and shrine in Parabita, Italy
Madonna della Coltura is a Gothic Revival shrine in Parabita featuring three naves separated by pointed arches that descend from the original 14th-century chapel structure. At its center stands an ancient monolith decorated with frescoes of the Virgin and Child, forming the spiritual core of the site.
A chapel from the 14th century marked the site's origin but underwent multiple changes before the 20th century arrived. In 1913, architect Napoleone Pagliarulo designed the current Gothic Revival structure that gave the sacred stone a new architectural home.
The shrine draws pilgrims today, particularly in May when visitors retrace the journey of the farmer who found the sacred stone through a ceremonial walk.
Lateral walls feature frescoes by Mario Prayer depicting scenes from Mary's life, completed in 1942 and viewable throughout the visit. Visitors can spend time examining these painted works while experiencing the quiet setting of the shrine.
The monolith displays Greek inscriptions and Byzantine artistic elements in a configuration found only at this religious site. This rare blend of ancient text and artistic style makes the stone an unusual artifact with deeper historical roots than the building itself.
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