Sanctuary of the Madonna del Crispino in Monforte San Giorgio

Il Sanctuary of the Madonna del Crispino in Monforte San Giorgio contains a story to be explored. Here are its salient features to live an experience to remember, in the heart of a town that has a lot to tell those who decide to visit it.

The history of the Madonna del Crispino Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Crispino was founded in the XNUMXth century and the story is linked to the discovery of aancient image of Virgin Mary. The legend tells of a painting found by some peasants, who made the inhabitants of the nearby village rush to Monforte San Giorgio fraction of Pellegrino. The image was carried to their church, but inexplicably became heavier as it approached the place of religious worship, while it returned to its normal weight when they moved back towards the Sanctuary, until it became very light.
The peasants therefore decided to bring the painting back to its original place. Once he entered the cave, no one was able to move him from his wall. This was considered as an event of the Divine will of the Virgin, which wanted to underline her point of origin. In the place where the picture no longer wanted to be moved, a special arch was built with a bell above it used by the friars to hold religious functions in the Crispino church.

The cult of the Madonna del Crispino starts from far away. Some sources speak of an existence dating back to the times of the foundation of village of Monforte San Giorgio, at the behest of the Byzantine monks who adored the Virgin Mary in a rock church. During the Arab invasions in the Sicilian areas, the painting was hidden in the Crispino wood, only to be found towards the end of the fifteenth century. Its rediscovery was an occasion for pilgrimage for the faithful who wanted to adore the Madonna and pray in front of the painting. The Filipino fathers erected the walls of the church and oratory of San Filippo.

What to know about the works of art in the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Crispino in Monforte San Giorgio was built in the hamlet of Pellegrino. Its appearance is very particular and is immersed in the beauty of uncontaminated nature, still surrounded by the cave in which the religious painting was hidden. There church current was erected in 1936 and is the extension of an old building.

Several years ago, the Shrine contained a sculpture depicting the Madonna and Childdating back to the beginning of the sixteenth century and made by the sculptor Antonello Gagioni. The statue, kept in the church of San Pellegrino, has always been highly venerated by the faithful who still today go to venerate the Madonna and ask for her intercession.

What to do in Monforte San Giorgio and surroundings

Monforte San Giorgio rises about 260 meters above sea level and includes various architectures of strong historical and cultural value. The Cathedral of San Giorgio Martire it is undoubtedly one of the best-known places to discover, as well as one cannot forget about Castle local.
Just move a little to get to know the wonders of Messina, as well as view Rometta and Torregrotta.

How to get to Monforte San Giorgio

Monforte San Giorgio can be reached by car exiting the A20 at the Rometta junctions, 9 kilometers from the city centre, and Milazzo-Aeolian Islands, about 10 kilometers away. The A18 is also fine, exiting at Messina Sud-Tremestieri or Roccalumera.
By train, just arrive at the Milazzo station 11 kilometers from the town or central Messina at 15. The closest airport is Reggio Calabria at about 25 kilometers, followed by Catania at 80.