Olivella Church, a very ancient site that has witnessed centuries of this town's history. It has stood there since time immemorial, and can be reached by taking the narrow road that descends from Porta Romana around the town of Veroli, itself a bastion of millennia of history and events.
Olivella Church
The Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Olivella stands right there, in the small square of the same name, immediately outside the ancient Porta Piccola of Veroli. It sits on a sort of natural balcony overlooking Frosinone. According to popular legend, we are on the path that leads to the tomb of Saint Salome, discovered in 1209, who is highly venerated in Veroli. It seems that she was buried here. erected A shrine with a fresco of the Madonna and Child. It appears the effigy was painted on a rock.
The passage of time and abandonment, however, contributed to the deterioration of the shrine, which was overgrown and hidden by brambles. An earthquake also made matters worse. The image of the Madonna on a rock remained hidden for centuries under the earthquake rubble and vegetation. However, in the early 700s, the sacred fresco re-emerged from the oblivion of time. A small olive tree that had sprouted near the sacred image and grown there almost caused people to cry out for a miracle.
Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Olivella
Overall, however, it was an image that had something "sweet," if you will, romantic. Later, the effigy, along with the temple, took the name "dell'Olivella." To identify the site, we can say that we are just before the Bisleti portico. In ancient times, this was the location of the "Porta Piccola," which, until the earthquake of 1350, led directly to the Basilica of Saint Salome via a steep climb. However, after the aedicule was "covered," restoration and expansion work began, which continued for a long time.
To facilitate the congregation of the assembled faithful, walls were erected, creating a small square in front. A small octagonal temple was built, beautiful, elegant, and graceful inside, with a truly remarkable structure. Retaining walls were erected around the area, which was steep and full of ravines. following The building was expanded thanks to donations from Cardinal Bisleti, who is buried there. For centuries, the church has had the appearance we see today.
Churches of Veroli – Church of Olivella
If we enter, we see on the altar the image of the Madonna surmounted by an olive branch, a reminder of the event of the rediscovery. The celebration, which always takes place on the Sunday after Easter, is still deeply felt today. A procession with the statue of the Madonna is organized, passing through the squares of Veroli. The memory goes back to ancient times, and the same celebration is remembered and recreated. atmosphere of a town illuminated by evocative bonfires lit with olive branches. The procession takes place uphill and downhill, as is the case with all the villages and towns in the Frosinone area.
It's as if the Holy Virgin's approach was announced by the ringing of the bell and the band playing. The tradition is still respected today, honoring that small but precious effigy, kept in a small church carved into the rock, which has seen the land change, yet has remained unchanged.
Churches of Veroli
Thus, a faith rooted in ancient values remains, imbued with an infinite sweetness, and punctuated by the murmur of an archaic, yet modern and timeless, rosary. It is a history and a faith that nourish the spirit.
