The sanctuary of Olive tree - santuario dell'Olivello was built on the site of the discovery in 1722 of an image of the Madonna who is said to have miraculously saved herself.
Initially in this place, in fact, there was the Little Gate to access the original church of Santa Salome.
But after the collapse caused by the earthquake of 1350 everything seemed to have been lost.
A shepherd with his flock had climbed among the hills and found the sacred image painted on a rock.
The name of Madonna dell'Olivello derives from an olive tree that had grown next to the image.
The church was built around the image.
Then it was protected on the surrounding land with walls and terraces thanks to the free work of many inmates.
It has an octagonal plan with an entrance door in Romanesque style.
It was then enlarged thanks to Cardinal Bisleti who moved part of the rock behind the image to the point where today the rock with the Madonna dell'Olivello is in the centre of the church.
Follow us