Tipologia:
Archaeological site, Naturalistic site, and Sanctuary




The sanctuary of the Madonna di Picciano was the seat of an important commendam and was managed by Olivetan Benedictine monks who were Templar and Hierasolymite knights, (later called the Knights of Rhodes and Malta). The sanctuary was a coveted and privileged place for the burial of wealthy nobles, including William III, the last Norman king and heir of the Hauteville family.

A stone dossal from the school of Altobello Persio can be admired within the presbytery at the bottom of which there are the Hierosolymite knights’ coats of arms –  a white cross on a red background – followed by the busts of minor prophets and the full-length statues of two major prophets are located in the side niches. The patron’s inscription is legible just below the prophets in which Duchess Felicia Sanseverino, widow of Duke Antonio Orsini, fulfills a vow to the Virgin Mary made in the past by Duke Ferdinando Orsini and invokes the protection of the Virgin Mary for herself and for her orphaned son. In the centre of the dossal stands the miraculous fresco of the Madonna di Picciano in prayer, from the late 15th century.






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Note:

This sanctuary hosts Olivetan Benedictine monks of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.




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