Santuario della Madonna della Scala, Catholic shrine in Castellammare del Golfo, Italy.
The Santuario della Madonna della Scala is a shrine situated on a hillside above Castellammare del Golfo with views toward the sea and harbor. The path upward consists of a long staircase with approximately 147 steps leading to the church entrance.
According to local tradition, a young shepherdess discovered a box containing religious objects during a storm in 1641, which led to construction of this shrine in the 17th century. The building later became an important pilgrimage site for the surrounding community.
The name refers to the staircase leading to the sanctuary, which has been central to pilgrimage for centuries. Visitors can see how the steps themselves become a place of reflection, where people pause and pray while climbing.
The shrine is located at Via Porta Fraginesi 52 at approximately 200 meters elevation and requires climbing a long staircase. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a short but demanding walk.
The current Madonna della Scala painting was commissioned in 2004 after the original artwork was stolen in the twentieth century. This canvas is therefore a modern addition to an otherwise historic location.
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