Things to see · Churches and sanctuaries
Madonna della Grotta, Cirigliano
Cirigliano (Matera)
Madonna della Grotta, Cirigliano is in Cirigliano, province of Matera. Opening hours: Always visible from outside. Admission: Free.
- Free.
- Always visible from outside.
About this place
The Madonna della Grotta is a small chapel carved into the rock in the countryside of Cirigliano, among the woods. It houses an icon of the Assumption and is linked to an unusual story.
History
It was built at the beginning of the 20th century by Donato Gruosso, a former bandit who, after serving 19 years in prison, was sent to Cirigliano to supervise the work on a road. He was one of the few in the village who could read and write, and the families asked him to open a school. The teacher often held lessons outdoors and, together with his pupils, carved this small chapel into the rock in honour of the Madonna.
The festival
On the last Sunday of May, the statue of the Assumption leaves the Mother Church and processes to the grotto, where it takes the place of the icon. On 15 August, the feast of the Assumption, the statue returns in procession through the village.
How to get there
The grotto is located in the contrada (locality) Madonna della Grotta, outside the village, along the road that runs through the woods. You can get there by car or bicycle; the last few metres are on foot.
Useful information
• It is a place of devotion: please visit with respect.
• The area is lovely to explore by bike, with climbs and woodland; the bosco di Montepiano is nearby.
