Santuario di Santa Maria di Vena, Catholic shrine in Vena, Italy
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Vena stands at 735 meters altitude among oak and chestnut forests on the eastern slope of Mount Etna.
Pope Gregory I established the sanctuary in the sixth century AD, sending Basilian friars to construct a monastery that housed the Madonna Glycophilusa icon.
The sanctuary holds a cedar wood icon measuring 170 by 67 centimeters, depicting the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus in an intimate embrace.
The sanctuary maintains regular visiting hours and provides access to the natural spring water source that emerged according to local tradition.
The name Vena derives from the water vein discovered when a mule carrying the sacred icon struck the ground with its hooves.
Location: Piedimonte Etneo
GPS coordinates: 37.79182,15.13792
Latest update: March 10, 2025 13:56
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