The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Piano (Madonna of the Plain) is a Roman Catholic Church in the town of Ausonia in the Province of Frosinone built during the 15th century in place of the original structure that existed here.
According to one legend, San Giorgio slayed a dragon in this very spot, but the most widely accepted story about why this church was built here dates back to the 12th century. According to tradition, there used to be a small lake here where the locals would throw babies that were born deformed. One day a young shepherd girl named Remingarda was walking nearby and the Virgin Mary appeared to her and asked her to tell the people to stop this practice and instead build an orphanage as penance for what they had been doing. When the townspeople went to the site where the girl said she had the vision, they were instructed on how to build the orphanage by ants that appeared and began to draw an image on the site.
The altar of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Piano
The church was later remodeled during the Renaissance and again after it was destroyed during WWII, and houses frescoes depicting the story of the young girl. Unfortunately, because it is located on a plain, it floods and, therefore, some of the walls are in a state of deterioration.
Side view of the Madonna del Piano
Front entrance
The front entrance consists of two intricately carved wooden doors from the 18th century.
Entrance to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Piano
The wooden statue of the Madonna and Child that is found within the church was originally in a church in the town of Castro dei Volsci but miraculously appeared here, and despite the townspeople trying to return it to the original church, the statue somehow always found its way back to the Sanctuary. This occasion is celebrated every 3 years at the end of August with a procession from Castro dei Volsci to the Sanctuary and a festival with all sorts of vendors and entertainment.
Statue of the Madonna del Piano carved entirely out of wood
Festival of the Madonna del Piano
Festival of the Madonna del Piano
Festival of the Madonna del Piano
The church is open every day and is free of charge.
Ancient Roman footbridge near the Sanctuary Madonna del Piano
Ruins across the street from the Sanctuary of Madonna del Piano
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My parents come from Selvacava. Growing up we had a statute of this Madonna in our yard and often heard of her and the procession. My mom even has a photo of the procession in her home. However we never knew the story. My siblings and I thank you for posting the history -we loved it.
I’m glad you enjoyed this post! I love all the festivals they have there. I remember quite a few times when I was in Selvacava being woken up in the morning by the sound of a marching band under our window and then watching as the procession went by.