Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Monserrato

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Monserrato stands just outside the town of Vallelonga, in a secluded and silent position that strengthens its spiritual character. For centuries it has been a religious reference point for the communities of the Vibonese hinterland and the Calabrian Serre, linked to Marian devotion and the tradition of pilgrimages. From a historical point of view, the sanctuary is linked to the spread of the cult of the Madonna of Montserrat, of Catalan origin, which arrived in Southern Italy in the Aragonese era, testifying to the historical links between the territory and the western Mediterranean. The architecture of the sanctuary is sober and essential, typical of rural places of worship. The structure integrates harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, favouring religious and contemplative function over monumentality. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Monserrato is an ideal stop for those who wish to discover the most authentic and spiritual soul of the Calabrian hinterland.