Sanctuary of the Madonna of Valverde

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of Valverde is one of the oldest in Sicily. According to legend it was built in 1038 after the Madonna appeared to a bandit.

In fact, legend says that in June 1038 along the road from Catania to old Aci, a wayfarer was stopped by the bandit, Dioniso. When he was about to kill the wayfarer, Dioniso heard the voice of the Virgin Mary who ordered him to lay down his sword and change his life. Struck by the words he heard, Dioniso converted.

According to the story handed down, the Madonna appeared other times to Dioniso, indicating the place the sanctuary was to be built. On the Saturday before the last Sunday of August in 1040, a last apparition of the Virgin surrounded by angels showed herself to Dionysus and the next day the same image was engraved in one of the pillars of the Sanctuary.

Since then, the last week of August has been dedicated to the commemoration of this miraculous event. On Sunday, the image of the Madonna of Valverde is carried in procession through the streets of the town. The festival ends with a musical performance and fireworks.

The earthquake in 1693 damaged the Sanctuary except for the pillar representing the Madonna of Valverde. The façade was modified during reconstruction and a portico was added. The entry is made of white stone and inside are altars dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Holy Family.