Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Hill, Lenola

The Sanctuary dates back to the 17th century and was established following a Marian apparition and the conversion of a young man from Lenola, Gabriele Mattei. After begging throughout Europe, he built this temple around a paleochristian effigy (among the oldest depictions of Mary and the baby Jesus in Europe) indicated to him by Mary herself and hidden among thorns and briars on a nearby hill (hence the name “of the Hill”). 

Also interesting is the “botanical miracle” or known as the “Cypress miracle” where cypresses have been growing for over 4 centuries on the travertine marble of the facade. 

This phenomenon has not yet been scientifically explained.