Basilica of Our Lady, Minor basilica in San Sosti, Italy

The sanctuary-basilica of the Madonna del Pettoruto stands at 543 metres in the gorge formed by the Rosa river between Monte Mula and Montea, above San Sosti. Its cream-coloured stone facade has a tall central section with a rose window in a circular relief, a triangular pediment and a low balustrade; below are three arched doorways with dark wooden doors framed by columns, and two round windows in the lower wings. A square bell tower with a pyramidal roof and cross rises on the right, facing a paved square.

According to legend, Nicola Mairo of Altomonte carved the Madonna and Child on a tufa rock while hiding on the mountain, and was cleared of murder charges in 1449. In the early 1600s a deaf-mute shepherd found the carving and was given back his speech. The sanctuary was built at the wish of bishop Felice Greco, bishop of San Marco Argentano e Bisignano from 1824 to 1840, and Pope John Paul II raised it to minor basilica in 1979.

The basilica serves as a pilgrimage destination where believers gather to venerate Mary, connecting generations through shared devotion. Local residents and visitors participate in religious celebrations that mark the calendar throughout the year.

Visitors can access the basilica daily for prayer and personal reflection within the sacred space. It is helpful to check local schedules beforehand, especially when planning visits around religious celebrations or special services.

The sanctuary is twinned with the International Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the only Marian sanctuary in the world with such a bond. The carved Madonna and Child image, made by Nicola Mairo on tuff rock during his hiding, was found in the early 1600s by a deaf-mute shepherd boy searching for a lost sheep; the Virgin restored his speech so he could reveal the site.