The spectacle that opens up to the visitor's eyes when he enters it is genuinely unique: three caves with statues created from the same sedimentary rock that tell scenes from the Holy Scriptures. Today, the Church is the second most visited monument in Calabria after the Riace Bronzes... #tuttitaly
The Church of Piedigrotta, "Museo Civico" in Pizzo, Calabria, is a unique place that fascinates and enchants its visitors with its history and artworks. Located next to its free beach, this church is a true gem, telling a legend and devotion story.
Inside the church, three caves are decorated with statues carved directly into the sedimentary rock, depicting scenes from the Holy Scriptures. This spectacle is unique and exciting, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. The Church of Piedigrotta has become Calabria's second most visited monument after the famous Riace Bronzes.
The legend tells of a Neapolitan sailing ship struck by a violent storm in the 17th century. The sailors, taking refuge in the captain's cabin with a painting of the Madonna of Piedigrotta, wanted to vow to the Virgin: if they were saved, they would erect a chapel in her honor. Even though the ship sank, the sailors reached the shore with the painting and the ship's bell dated 1632, keeping the promise and carving a small chapel into the rock.
Local artist Angelo Barone dedicated much of his life to decorating and expanding the Church of Piedigrotta, turning it into a place rich in statues and frescoes telling the life of Jesus and the Saints. His son, Alfonso, continued his work, transforming the church's appearance with other extraordinary artworks.
In the 1960s, the church suffered vandalism. Still, fortunately, the nephew of the original artists, Giorgio Barone, a renowned sculptor who had moved to Canada, decided to return to Pizzo to restore the place. After months of hard work, the restoration was completed in 1968, allowing this wonderful church to shine again in its original beauty.
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