Sanctuary of Tindari, Tindari, Italy

The Sanctuary of Tindari was built on the ruins of the Tindari Castle in 1953 and contains the famous statue of the Black Madonna. This statue of Byzantine origins is dated back to 800 AD, and was carved from a rare Turkish cedar wood. The legends tell that the ship carrying this Madonna was driven onto the Tindari bay after a violent storm.

According to popular belief, the Black Madonna has a miraculous power which protects Sicilians from many dangers including earthquakes, pestilence, and the attacks of armies.Today the Black Madonna stands behind the altar.

References:

sicily.co.uk

Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

Anne-Marie (3 years ago)
Breathtaking views of the Aeolian islands and the Gulf of Patti! Pity about all the untidy stalls nearby selling candied fruit and souvenirs. Detracts somewhat from the overall experience. Tourist office agent was extremely helpful and indicated to us all the interesting points of interest. Sanctuary with the Madonna Nera is definitely worth visiting. There is a long trail downwards from the car park to the beach surrounded by the typical Sicilian scrub, prickly pears (fichi d'India) and cactus plants. Not an easy trek under a hot sun!

PaulKing5621 (3 years ago)
The church was nice even the view outside

Christy Sharon Awendo (3 years ago)
Beautiful,fantastic view , and the church Is stunning . It has a historic story behind It it's worth a tour . Very organizzed .

Szilárd Barna (3 years ago)
Stunning temple, gorgeous location, you can wall but busses takes you up also. Absolutely loved it.

Akhil Varghese (3 years ago)
Such an amazing place wonderful experience beautiful church and surroundings

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Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

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In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians. The county became a privileged refuge for persecuted Cathars.

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As seat of the Governor of the Foix region from the 15th century, the castle continued to ensure the defence of the area, notably during the Wars of Religion. Alone of all the castles in the region, it was exempted from the destruction orders of Richelieu (1632-1638).

Until the Revolution, the fortress remained a garrison. Its life was brightened with grand receptions for its governors, including the Count of Tréville, captain of musketeers under Louis XIII and Marshal Philippe Henri de Ségur, one of Louis XVI's ministers. The Round Tower, built in the 15th century, is the most recent, the two square towers having been built before the 11th century. They served as a political and civil prison for four centuries until 1862.

Since 1930, the castle has housed the collections of the Ariège départemental museum. Sections on prehistory, Gallo-Roman and mediaeval archaeology tell the history of Ariège from ancient times. Currently, the museum is rearranging exhibits to concentrate on the history of the castle site so as to recreate the life of Foix at the time of the Counts.

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