This is an excerpt for Episode 6: The Black Madonna with Marisa Tomei from the Dream of Italy Season 3 Travel Guide. Get your own PDF copy here.
Since the 12th century, this mountaintop has been held sacred by the faithful. At 4,000 feet above sea level, the sanctuary overlooks the province of Avellino in Campania and the stark white building can be seen poking out from the surrounding forests from miles away. Pilgrims from the area, including Kathy’s own ancestors from Castelvetere sul Calore, make the trip up to the sanctuary, sometimes barefoot, pausing to reflect at roadside shrines on the way. The sanctuary’s Black Madonna, affectionately called Mamma Schiavona, is portrayed in a bejeweled portrait in her own chapel and much beloved by pilgrims. Visit www.santuariodimontevergine.it for seasonal opening hours.