Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Votivgabe

Legends tell, that in 490, 492 and 493 the archangel Michael appeared to a shepherd and a bishop in front of a grotto. Archangel Michael instructing them to convert that cave into a Christian church. This grotto became the site of many pilgrimages since the early Middle Ages. It is said, that this is the oldest shrine in Western Europe When the Lombards successfully conquered southern Italy end of the 6th century, King Grimoald in 662 passed on the region to his son, Romuald I, who renovated the sanctuary and encouraged its use as a pilgrimage site. It got very popular for pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and as well for pilgrims who had followed the Via Francigena to Rome and then continued to the grotto. Many Popes have been here, but as well Bridget of Sweden, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Tuscany, Otto III... From the portico, steps lead down to the grotto. Since centuries pilgrims have used these steps. Even now with electric light, it looks very mystic. All the walls are covered with names, carved in by the many pilgrims. The grotto is not the only cave here. More caves and stairs (below the grotto) can be reached via the museum, where hundreds of votive offerings are displayed. The most beautiful is this Archangel Michael, gilded copper, the first half of the 11th century. There is an inscription at his feet. The gesture (note the fingers) is byzantine.

Legends tell, that in 490, 492 and 493 the archangel Michael appeared to a shepherd and a bishop in front of a grotto. Archangel Michael instructing them to convert that cave into a Christian church. This grotto became the site of many pilgrimages since the early Middle Ages. It is said, that this is the oldest shrine in Western Europe When the Lombards successfully conquered southern Italy end of the 6th century, King Grimoald in 662 passed on the region to his son, Romuald I, who renovated the sanctuary and encouraged its use as a pilgrimage site. It got very popular for pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and as well for pilgrims who had followed the Via Francigena to Rome and then continued to the grotto. Many Popes have been here, but as well Bridget of Sweden, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Tuscany, Otto III... From the portico, steps lead down to the grotto. Since centuries pilgrims have used these steps. Even now with electric light, it looks very mystic. All the walls are covered with names, carved in by the many pilgrims. The grotto is not the only cave here. More caves and stairs (below the grotto) can be reached via the museum, where hundreds of votive offerings are displayed.

After three local shepherd children witnessed a Marian apparition here in 1917, Fátima has developed into a major pilgrimage site of the Catholic Church. What started with a small chapel in 1918 is now the huge Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima that includes two basilicas. These waxen sculptures are votive offerings, that will be thrown in the fire - and melt. The pious pilgrims could also buy waxen legs, arms and even internal organs, that looked a bit scary. www.fatima.pt/en/