Sanctuary of Our Lady of Canneto

This religious building has a long history, dating back, according to tradition, to 293 BC. The sanctuary has undergone several renovations over the centuries and today presents a mixture of architectural elements from different eras.

The original entrance to the sanctuary dates back to the 1820s, while most of the building was reconstructed in the 1970s. However, some original parts of the sanctuary have been preserved in the basement, such as the old entrance portal dating back to 1857 and a discrete collection of votive offerings left by the faithful over the years.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Cannero is also linked to a legend that tells of the apparition of the Madonna to a shepherdess named Silvana.

The Madonna, who appeared as a radiant white woman, performed a miracle by touching a cliff that caused fresh, clean water to gush out. This legend is deeply felt by the local population and a pilgrimage in honour of the Madonna of Cannero takes place every year.

The pilgrimage starts in Roccasecca and lasts three days, with night stops in Atina and Picinisco. The procession culminates on 22 August with the procession of the statue of the Madonna of Cannero, a black Madonna with child carved in a lime tree.

During the night, tent camps are organised and there are songs and moments of silence, with bonfires lighting up the night in the Abruzzo National Park.