Only 3km from Carovigno, at 100m of height, nestled in the country of the Itria Valley, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Belvedere holds a complex network of natural caves, which includes also the age-old Grotto of Belvedere.
The caves are accessed through the sanctuary via a staircase placed on the right-hand side of the chapel. In the first crypt you can admire the remains of the fresco of St. Michael and a niche dating back to 1501, decorated with a fresco depicting the Virgin of the Belvedere holding a little bird in her hand.
Climbing further down for about 18m, one arrives in the lower crypt where a series of tunnels meet. This crypt contains two further frescoes, respectively the Virgin with child and the Madfonna of Belvedere.
According to the legend, the cave was discovered in 110 by a shepherd boy who was chasing a lost cow. Once in front of the fresco of the Virgin, the shepherd run out of the cave rejoicing over the discovery, and waving his handkerchief. And thus was born the ritual of the N’Zegna, the prayer under the flag honored every year in the sanctuary’s courtyard on the first Saturday after Easter.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Oktoberfesct
Festival featuring local food, craft beer, and live music across three weekends of celebration.
Progetto Premio Cantiere Risonanze
Artist residency with final presentation at TEX of ExFadda.
Le Radici del Sud in Concert
The band Le Radici del Sud performs traditional Salentine pizzica music.
Il Naso
Theatrical performance by Ippolito Chiarello at the Teatro Comunale.
Hortus Puglia
Hortus Puglia in Ostuni: gardening exhibitions, storytelling, thematic workshops and training sessions.
Touch di Road Halloween Edition
Touch di Road returns to Grelè for Halloween night with the best DJs.
More places nearby
- Nature and gardensParco comunale Salvatore MorelliLush and fragrant, the green lung near the historic center of Carovigno is a destination for adults and children alike, for games and long walks. Carovigno very close
Churches and cryptsChiesa del CarminePrecious Baroque gem in the heart of Carovigno, the Church of the Carmine
preserves both fragments of the original frescoes and ancient burials. Carovigno very close
Castles, towers and palacesCastle of Dentice di FrassoA 15th-century building of extraordinary architectural forms, the castle of
Dentice di Frasso dominates the landscape from a hilltop. Carovigno very close
Churches and cryptsChurch of Sant'AnnaIn the heart of the old town, just a few steps from the castle in
Carovigno, stands the massive stone building of the Church of Sant’Anna. Carovigno very close
Churches and cryptsParish Maria Santissima di Belvedere patrona - Chiesa NuovaThe Chiesa Nuova of Carovigno stands out for the contrast between its
19th-century walls and the main facade, which was completed at the end of
the last century. Carovigno very close- ArchaeologyMessapic city wallsCarovigno, an ancient Messapic town, has kept the ruins of the three circles of city walls which used to protect the town of Carbina. Carovigno very close