The religious complex currently consists of a three-nave church and several adjoining rooms.
The facade, built in 1917, is tripartite with a triple-arched portico. On the lower level, three arched doorways are flanked by two rectangular doors, each topped by two oval rose windows. These are framed by seven semi-pillars with Ionic-style capitals. On either side of the loggia, two radiant rose windows adorned with doves resting on olive branches stand out. At the center of the pediment is a medallion featuring a bas-relief image of Maria Santissima del Pettoruto. To the right of the facade rises a quadrangular bell tower.

**Description:** Bust of the Madonna with the blessing Child. The Virgin holds a lily in her right hand, symbolizing purity, while Jesus holds a pomegranate in his left, symbolizing prosperity.
**Usage period:** Between 1500 and 1599
**Image:** Statue
**Original location of the Sanctuary:** Not specified
**Collection notes:** The materials are stored in a dedicated room without systematic organization.
**Types of ex-votos:** Lights, Jewelry, Real or depicted prosthetics, Photographs, Other
**Current preservation:** Room adjacent to the sanctuary entrance.

**Lists and attestations of received graces**
Historical sources (to be confirmed) suggest an early dependency on the Cistercian grange of the abbey of Acquaformosa (cf. Barillaro 1972, p. 221).

Regarding the miraculous discovery of the statue, it is said that a certain Nicola Mairo, unjustly accused of a crime, fled in distress to the woods of Pettoruto. Devoted to the Mother of Jesus, he implored her to reveal his innocence to all. He then carved her image on a rock emerging from the shrubs. Later, after Mairo returned to Altomonte and his innocence was recognized, a solemn vow prevented him from revealing the image of the Madonna to the people. It was only years later that the statue was found by a young shepherd from Scalea named Giuseppe Labbazia. From that moment, the glory of Maria Santissima del Pettoruto spread, and since the statue could not be moved, a rudimentary chapel was erected on the very spot where it stood.

It is said that since the location seemed unsuitable for building a church, attempts were made to move the statue to San Sosti, but in no way could the image be removed from its place… After three unsuccessful attempts, they abandoned the effort and instead built a small temple and an altar as best they could, without delay, right where it was found. It is evident that both traditions chronologically conflict with the 1455 bull of Callixtus III, which attests to the sanctuary’s use by that time.

– **1226:** First attestation of the cult’s presence, understood as a grange of the Abbey of Acquaformosa.
– **1247:** Construction of a primitive church-sanctuary by the Abbey of Acquaformosa.
– **1633–1646:** Partial expansion of the sanctuary.
– **1834:** Partial reconstruction of the sanctuary. In this year, Bishop Felice Greco promoted the construction of the central vaulted nave.
– **1856–1897:** Construction of the left nave and the old flattened dome apse under Bishops Parladore and Ricotta.
– **1925–1929:** Restoration of the sanctuary by the diocese.

**1455 – Pope Callixtus III:** A papal bull granting five years and as many quarantines of indulgences to the faithful who devoutly visit the sanctuary.
**1911 – Pope Pius X:** Grants a plenary indulgence to those who confess and receive communion on September 7.

**Location:** Pettoruto, 87010 San Sosti CS, Italy