Santuario della Madonna della Sciara, Modern Catholic sanctuary in Massannunziata, Italy.
The Santuario della Madonna della Sciara is a modern church building set on a basalt hill with contemporary design and a spacious interior. Large windows throughout allow plenty of natural light to fill the prayer space.
The sanctuary originated after Mount Etna's eruption in 1669 destroyed the nearby village of Mompilieri, when residents discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary beneath the lava in 1704. This finding led to the establishment of a pilgrimage site in this location.
The sanctuary serves as a gathering place for pilgrims who come to honor the Virgin Mary, and it remains deeply woven into local religious life. Local people visit regularly to participate in religious ceremonies that have been part of the community for centuries.
The sanctuary is open daily to visitors and features accessibility ramps for easy entry and exit. Ample parking is available for both private cars and tour buses.
The building, completed in 2010, incorporates volcanic stone from the region into its construction, linking it physically to Mount Etna's geological heritage. This material choice gives the modern sanctuary a tangible connection to its volcanic surroundings.
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