Chiesa Santa Maria della Sorresca

The medieval Sanctuary of S. Maria della Sorresca lies on the shores of Lake Paola, near the town center. Built by the Benedictines in the 6th century, on the remains of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century, the small church preserves a 13th-century wooden statue of the Virgin with the Child. The bell tower was originally designed as a lookout tower for defense.

The legend says that a few fishermen found a statue of the 'Madonna con Bambino' in their nets. They left the statue inside a hollow trunk for the entire day, and at the end of the day, they decided to take it with them. The next day, the statue was gone and they found it in the same place it had been the day before. They decided to take it again at the end of the day, but the next day it was once again missing and found in the same spot. They understood that the Madonna wanted to stay on that side of the lake. The Madonna was called 'Santa Maria della Sorresca,' from the Latin word 'risorgere' (literally 'rise again'), and in the following years, a church was built right there. To recall this legend, the statue is now placed on a trunk.

Although the church is located in the municipality of Sabaudia, it belongs to the church of San Felice Circeo. Every year, on August 15th, there is the 'Immacolata' feast day. To honor the legend, the statue is taken to San Felice Circeo, and from there, a grand procession takes place on Lake Sabaudia to bring it 'back' to its place.

You don't need to enter, but the site is worth a visit. Stop at the gate and look up:
The site is not referred to as a 'church.' What is the first word on the gate?

A photo of you (or your nickname) in front of the church is appreciated!

PS: This spot is also a stage of my 'Adventure Lab Cache' around Sabaudia.