Santuario della Madonna di Picciano, Hilltop sanctuary in Matera, Italy.
The Sanctuary of Madonna di Picciano sits on a hillside near Matera, surrounded by dense forest and natural landscape. The church features simple architecture with a quiet interior containing religious artwork and devotional elements.
The monastery gained official recognition from the church in the 13th century through papal documents. In the 17th century, the Zurla family completed construction work that shaped the building into its current form.
The shrine draws visitors seeking spiritual reflection and prayer in a quiet setting away from the town below. The simple interior and religious artworks reflect how local people have honored this place across generations.
The sanctuary sits on a hillside reached by a forest path, so sturdy footwear is helpful and the terrain can be uneven. Its remote location away from town makes it a quiet destination that requires time and effort to reach.
Inside the right side aisle of the church stands a stone coat of arms bearing three battlements, marking the Zurla family who oversaw completion work in the 17th century. This family crest is one of the few lasting marks showing who built and supported this place long ago.
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