Shrine of Our Lady of Frasassi - Hermitage of Saint Maria Infra Saxa - Genga (AN) - Marche
- Tuttitaly
- Nov 11, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 7
An octagonal structure in white blocks of travertine built in 1828 by Pope Leo XII, a native of Genga, based on a project by the famous architect Giuseppe Valadier... #tuttitaly
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Frasassi, also known as the Temple of Valadier, and the Hermitage of Santa Maria Infra Saxa are located in Genga, within the picturesque Regional Park of the Gola della Rossa, in the province of Ancona.
To reach the Temple of Valadier and the Hermitage, you have to walk along a path of about 800 meters uphill. Although paved, the route can be challenging due to the 300 meters of elevation gain. Along the path are the 14 stations of the Via Crucis, which commemorate the passages of Christ's life from the Resurrection to Pentecost.
Temple of Valadier
The Temple of Valadier was built in 1828 at the behest of Pope Leo XII and designed by the architect Giuseppe Valadier. This imposing architectural structure has an octagonal shape in neoclassical style, characterized by simple and harmonious lines and forms. The temple is made of white travertine blocks and features a large dome covered in dark lead that seems to touch the rock of the cave's roof.
Upon entering the temple, visitors are greeted by a lovely hall adorned with an elegant alabaster altar.
At the center of the altar is a sculpture depicting the Virgin with Child, a beautiful copy of the original attributed to Master Antonio Canova. The original, made of fine white Carrara marble, is kept at the Museum of Genga.
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