The wonderful Sanctuary of the Addolorata of Castelpetroso

The Sanctuary of the Addolorata di Castelpetroso is located in Molise. Immense and fascinating, it is set in a green valley. To tell the truth, to see it it looks like a fairytale castle.

The story of the Marian apparition

The Sanctuary is located in the province of Isernia and it is a construction in homage to the Madonna. In fact, it is said that in this place, in 1888, two peasant women witnessed the apparition of the Virgin. In particular, the story of Fabiana Cicchino and Serafina Valentino tells of a normal working day in Cesa Tra Santi. In the afternoon, as they prepare to go home, the two shepherdesses realize that they have lost a sheep. Thus, intent on searching among the hedges, Fabiana sees the sheep near a strange light. In order to satisfy his curiosity, the woman approaches. Then, when you get close to the light, you will find the image of the Madonna kneeling with the dead Jesus at her feet. The Virgin his gaze is turned towards the sky and his arms outstretched in the act of offering. Later Serafina also arrives, but she cannot see anything.

The choice to build the Sanctuary

A few days later, we are on Easter day, the apparition is renewed. But more importantly, this time even Serafina was able to see the Virgin. The rumors are spreading around the village amid the skepticism of many. When, in September of the same year, also Msgr. Francesco Macarone Palmieri bishop of bojano, in the same way he sees. Subsequently, at the foot of the cliff where there was the first apparition, a spring of water flows which proves to be miraculous. Thanks to these episodes and the new apparitions that follow, it was decided to build a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. In fact, in 1890, the first stone was laid, even if the consecration took place in 1975. This Sanctuary, in addition to being a symbol for many believers, is a fascinating example of architecture.

The external architecture of the Sanctuary of the Addolorata of Castelpetroso

The sanctuary of the Santissima Addolorata rises within the territory of the municipality of Castelpetroso. Outside, a feature of the church is the facade. In fact it is squeezed between two bell towers and is tripartite horizontally by three sections of the same height. Similarly, each of the towers ends with a triangular spire from which a four-light window opens in the center. In addition to this, a three-light window can be seen on the sides.

Below, there are the three splayed portals, decorated with mosaic lunettes. In particular they depict in the center Jesus on the cross between Mary and John. While on the left is the Annunciation and on the right the Coronation of Mary. Similarly, the bronze doors depict scenes from the Old and New Testament. Furthermore, the two bell towers have a square plan and have two superimposed orders of mullioned windows. Inside there is a concert consisting of ten bells from the Pontifical Foundry of Campane Marinelli. On the other hand, the octagonal dome which is grafted onto a high drum is also very beautiful. It presents, on each side, ending with a triangular cusp, a mullioned window. The dome to tell the truth it is surmounted by an octagonal lantern. Its overall height is 52 meters.