It has been a pilgrimage destination between the last Sunday of May and the first of October for seven centuries. On the "mount of the idol", according to the Arabic etymology of the name Gelbison, at 1705 meters in altitude, stands the Sanctuary of the Sacred Mount of Novi Velia, an ancient place of Marian worship also known as Monte Sacro or Madonna del Monte.
The highest sanctuary in Italy, in Novi Velia territory, is a place of strong emotions, powerful suggestions, fascinating discoveries. Since the slopes of the mountain, in Novi Velia, where the paved path of about three and a half kilometers leading to the summit starts. Only one of the possible historical itineraries: the other, preferred by the faithful from Lucania and Calabria, is the mule track that starts from Rofrano valley. In either case, these paths are to be traveled on foot or by mule, accompanied by amazing natural spectacles as you climb through the lush chestnut and alder woods surrounding the sides of the Gelbison. Where there are caves and shelters once used as refuge for pilgrims, often coming from far away. The climb is marked by various checkpoints, forced by the small collective rites that have been consolidated over the centuries. Like the regenerating stop at the Fiumefreddo fountain, to quench your thirst with pure, fresh water and let the mules rest before tackling the last stretch of the ascent to the sanctuary.
Approaching the top, so-called place of the Manto, there is a stone where, according to tradition, the Madonna would have sat to sew her robe. It’s possible to pause in prayer and faces the passage in a narrow space: those who cannot overcome it, it is said that they are not in the grace of God, it was recommended to the brides, as a propitiatory act for the birth of a child. The climb is resumed with a stone, as penance, to be left in the pile formed by the faithful of all times, at the base of the Iron Cross, above the so-called Garden of the Madonna, at the point where all the roads towards the sanctuary converge. The Cross, illuminated at night, can be seen from every corner of Cilento. And around it the view dominates the entire Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park.
Before turning towards the sanctuary, the "cente" are blessed, sculptures of votive candles in the shape of a boat or tower, depending on the countries they represent, decorated with colored ribbons and brought as a gift to the Madonna. Before entering the church, tradition has it that seven laps are made around its perimeter. And many pilgrims enter on their knees.
The sanctuary on the summit is located on the site of an ancient Italic temple, perhaps built by the Enotri in honor of the goddess Hera. To build the Christian church in the X or XI century were the Basilian monks from the East, who initially settled as hermits in the caves around the mountain. The sacred building, mentioned for the first time in an act by Roger the Norman of 1131, was later enlarged by the bishop of Capaccio and in 1323 it was purchased by the noble Riccardo of Marzano to be transferred to the celestine monks to whom he had already donated his castle. When the celestines died out, the church passed back to the bishop of Capaccio.
Three naves, divided by stone columns, covered by a frescoed barrel vault, the church stores some wooden statues including that of the Madonna, with oriental features, with the Child. The religious complex also includes the chapel of San Bartolomeo, the convent and the guesthouse. From the space in front of the sanctuary the view sweeps up to Etna and Stromboli to the south and to Capri and Ischia to the north. A spectacle as far as the eye can see. Unforgettable.
