Sanctuary of Santa Maria d’Anglona: Faith, History, and Spiritual Adventure in Basilicata

Nestled in the heart of Basilicata, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria d’Anglona stands as a beacon of faith and a guardian of centuries of history. This sacred place, located near Tursi (MT), is not only a site of profound Marian devotion but also a treasure trove of medieval art and architecture, offering visitors a unique experience of spirituality and discovery.

History and Architecture: A Journey Through Time

The origins of the sanctuary are rooted in the distant 11th century. Legend has it that even Pope Urban II stopped at this place during his travels in 1092. Between the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century, Anglona, once a thriving inhabited center, became an episcopal see transferred from Tursi, testifying to the site’s strategic and religious importance.

The architecture of the sanctuary is a fascinating mosaic of styles and periods. Initially, a primitive core was expanded in the early decades of the 12th century with the addition of a tripartite basilical hall, adorned with three semicircular apses and a porch. Between the 12th and 13th centuries, the aligned transept and the choir we admire today were grafted on. In the 14th century, a collapse on the southern side led to its reconstruction with pointed arches.

Today, the church features a porch supported by four columns. The interior is divided into three naves separated by rectangular pillars supporting round arches on the southern side and pointed arches elsewhere. The presbytery, characterized by a non-protruding transept and a deep choir, culminates in a semicircular apse that invites contemplation.

The Statue of the Madonna d’Anglona: Symbol of Faith and Devotion

The beating heart of the sanctuary is the wooden statue depicting the Virgin seated on a throne. With a scepter in her right hand and the blessing Child Jesus seated on her lap, the statue, commissioned in 1794 by Bishop Salvatore Vecchione, embodies divine motherhood and celestial royalty. The Child, with his right hand blessing and his left hand holding the globus cruciger, represents the Redeemer of the world.

Treasures of Faith: The Ex-Votos

The walls of the sanctuary tell stories of faith and gratitude through the ex-votos offered to the Virgin. Objects of goldsmithing, First Communion dresses, and votive garments testify to popular devotion and the belief in Mary’s intercessory power. These objects, kept in rooms adjacent to the sanctuary, represent an invaluable cultural and spiritual heritage.

Saints and Reference Figures: Witnesses of Faith

Although not strictly linked to the history of the sanctuary, it is important to remember figures of saints who have marked the history of Basilicata and the Catholic Church. Among these:

Saint Laviero Martyr: Native of Acerenza, martyred in the 3rd century, patron saint of the city.
Saint Giustino de Jacobis (canonized in 1975): Vincentian missionary born in San Fele (PZ) in 1800, evangelizer in Ethiopia.

Although not directly linked to the Sanctuary, their lives and example of faith can inspire pilgrims visiting the sanctuary.

A Spiritual Adventure: Discovering the Sanctuary

The visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria d’Anglona is not only a religious pilgrimage but also an opportunity for a spiritual and cultural adventure. Here are some ideas to enrich your experience:

Explore the surroundings: Anglona, once a flourishing city, offers a suggestive setting with remains of ancient walls and vestiges of the past. Walk the paths winding through the surrounding hills to enjoy breathtaking views and rediscover the unspoiled beauty of Basilicata.
Participate in the celebrations: The feast of Santa Maria d’Anglona, preceded by an ancient fair mentioned in a diploma of Robert of Anjou from 1332, is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in tradition and popular devotion.
Reflect on history: The history of the transfer of the episcopal see from Tursi to Anglona and the subsequent abandonment of the site offer food for thought on the fragility of human civilizations and the permanence of faith.

Useful Information for the Pilgrim and Traveler

The sanctuary has witnessed important events, such as the Eucharistic Marian Congress of 1951 convened by Bishop Pasquale Quaremba and preceded by the peregrinatio of the statue through the towns of the diocese, and another peregrinatio in 1983. These events testify to the strong bond between the sanctuary and the local community.