Sanctuary of the Madonna della Portella: A Refuge of Faith in the Mountains of Abruzzo

Nestled in the heart of the Piano delle Cinquemiglia, in a commanding and evocative position, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Portella is a place of peace and devotion that has welcomed pilgrims and travelers for centuries. Its history is intertwined with miraculous legends, ancient traditions, and the silent dedication of hermits, offering a unique spiritual experience in the landscape of Abruzzo’s sanctuaries.

History and Founding Legend

The sanctuary’s history is rooted in a devotional legend as simple as it is powerful. It is said that around the 16th century, a shepherd returning from transhumance in Apulia carried with him a precious image of the Madonna of Constantinople. This type of icon, with the attribute of Hodighitria (She who shows the way), was particularly dear to travelers.

Upon reaching the Portella pass, the image suddenly became so heavy it could no longer be moved. The shepherd interpreted this supernatural sign as the Virgin’s will to stop right in that place. Thus, by divine will and thanks to the alms of the faithful, construction began on the first place of worship, consecrated in 1589. An important date, which also marked the expansion of the church and the appointment of the first procurator, whose name is still inscribed on the stone of the main door.

The Miracle and the Sacred Image

The sanctuary safeguards a stone bas-relief of extraordinary beauty and theological significance. The work, in sixteenth-century style, depicts the Madonna holding the Child Jesus close to her. The most touching detail is the gesture of the little Jesus, who shows his Mother a small bird he holds in his left hand.

In Tuscan iconographic tradition, this bird symbolizes the divine nature of Christ and his destiny of Passion. Some scholars see in the bird’s tail a swallow, a symbol of Resurrection and Easter, adding a further layer of hope to the message of the work. Devotion to this image was confirmed by a miraculous event that occurred on May 6, 1875, Ascension Day: despite the collapse of the church roof, both the sacred effigy and the women who were inside praying remained miraculously unharmed.

Architecture and Hermit Life

The church, built and expanded thanks to the generosity of the faithful, over time became a Lay Pious Place with considerable assets, managed by procurators under episcopal control. But the true soul of the sanctuary has been the succession of hermits who cared for it for centuries, living in prayer and solitude.

From pastoral visits and historical studies emerge the names of these custodians of the faith:

• **Giuseppe Tonti** of Rionero (1694)

• **Fra’ Girolamo Gamberale**, buried at the Portella in 1712

• **Costantino Roselli**, also buried on site in 1793

• **Fra’ Eustachio** of Tocco da Casauria (1879)

• **Fra’ Nicola (Teodoro Di Biase)**, the last hermit, died in 1968

Their presence ensured the continuity of worship in a place that, as Bishop Francesco Cavalieri noted in 1622, was extremely difficult to reach, especially for those who had to get to Scanno.

Traditions and Pilgrimage

The sanctuary is still today a vibrant center of popular devotion. A particularly heartfelt tradition is the “passalacqua” that takes place on the Piano della Portella every Easter Monday. This custom, which some scholars trace back to reminiscences of pagan cults linked to water and the awakening of spring, has been Christianized and represents a moment of strong community bonding and spiritual renewal.

The pilgrimage to this sanctuary offers not only an experience of faith but also the opportunity to immerse oneself in the pristine nature of the Abruzzo Apennines, ideally following in the footsteps of transhumant shepherds and ancient hermits.

How to Visit the Sanctuary

Today the sanctuary is entrusted to the care of the parish priests of Rivisondoli. Visiting the Madonna della Portella means undertaking a journey through time and spirit, in a place where history, sacred art, and a simple and genuine faith merge with the majestic landscape of the Abruzzo mountains. It is a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic pilgrimage, away from the more beaten paths, yet rich in spirituality and beauty.

Historical sources: Marcello Romito, “Il Santuario Romitorio di Santa Maria della Portella nel Piano delle Cinquemiglia”, Arti Grafiche Garibaldi, Pescara 1990.