Richard And Jo Demeester's photos with the keyword: Madonna nera

The Black Madonna of Vigianno is an important icon, with pilgrims descending on this little town in their thousands. The statue itself was inside this church. It is possibly over a thousand years old, but was lost in 1050 when the city where it originally was housed, Grumentum, was destroyed. Centuries later, it was found by shepherds (who do appear both surprised and delighted). In May, the statue is transferred from this sanctuary to a church in the mountains, close to where it was found. And in September, the crowds follow it when it is carried back here.