Descrizione
On the hill opposite the present-day Sanctuary of Mondolfo, a stormy night marked the beginning of a legendary tale. The caves, originally used by farmers as a shelter, became the place where the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary was discovered. After being taken to the Collegiate Church of St Giustina, the statue miraculously returned to the caves, prompting the community to build the Sanctuary in 1682.
In 1679, Clemente Briganti placed a small statue of Our Lady of the Rosary in the cave complex, giving rise to a growing popular devotion. In 1682, the Sanctuary was built with contributions from the faithful and the Confraternity of Mercy of Mondolfo. The sanctuary, surrounded by a vast pine forest near the sea, features a façade with proportions based on the golden ratio, as well as finely crafted sandstone portals and windows. Reused slabs from the Martinian fortress of Mondolfo adorn the entrance steps.
Inside, the Baroque altar dedicated to Our Lady of the Caves symbolises the majesty of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth. The sanctuary is a site of annual pilgrimage, attracting devotees from Valcesano and the Diocese of Senigallia. The Decennial Celebrations, held every ten years, engage the community through religious, social, cultural and folkloric events. In 1997, Pope John Paul II personally crowned the statue of the Madonna delle Grotte in Rome, an event commemorated by an inscription in the church. The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grotte in Mondolfo continues to be a place of devotion, bearing witness to the history and faith of the community over the centuries.
