Sanctuary of Celletta
Timetable
Open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.
Prices
Free access
Sanctuary of Celletta, with its elliptical shape, was built over a Renaissance cell during the first years of the 17th century, in order to host the growing number of pilgrims visiting this place after an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Its project was started by M. N. Balestri and later finished by Gian Battista Aleotti. Inside, the vault is frescoed with the Assumption of the virgin into the Heaven, whilst the main altar encloses the Madonna della Celletta con Bambino, a fresco by Garofalo from the original church.
Every year on October 7th there is a celebration that involves the transportation to the temple of the holy altarpiece, to remember the survivors of the earthquake in 1624. The church hosts the sepulchres of Balestri and Aleotti.
Interesting fact
Giampaolo dei Fanti, a man who lived in San Biagio, was returning home in 1490 with his wife. During a storm, they both fell from their horse into the river. Being in danger, they evoked the protection of the Virgin Mary promising to build a chapel in her honor. They both survived and kept their promise.
The chapel was built and named "celletta" by the citizens.
