History
The origins of the “Santuario Madonna dello Splendore” (Shrine of Our Lady of Splendour) date back to 1557. The region had long been plagued by famine and disease. War caused suffering for the town and its inhabitants, as the armies of Anjou and Aragon fought for power in central Italy.
It is 22 April 1557... Woodsman Bertolino is working in the forest on a small hill just outside the walls of the town of Giulianova. After a few hours of chopping wood, he rests a while and suddenly sees a brilliant light. He is startled and sees a Lady approaching, shining with splendour. It is the Virgin Mary! She asks him to go into the town and tell them that the Mother of God has chosen this place as Her dwelling. The clergy must soon organise a procession to come and honour Her, and a Sanctuary is to be built here for the Mother of God. Bertolino is completely surprised and goes to the town council of Giulianova, telling them what he was instructed by the apparition. The woodsman is not believed and is immediately sent outside. He then sadly goes home.
The next day, 23 April 1557, Bertolino returns to the spot where he met the beautiful lady. He sees her again and apologises for not having carried out the task properly. The beautiful lady urges him to go and deliver the message once more. Unfortunately, Bertolino again finds no audience in the town hall and is once again shown the door.
On 24 April 1557, the third apparition occurs at the same location. Bertolino finds the Lady even more magnificent than on the previous two days. Again, the Apparition orders him to go to the city and complete the task successfully. The woodcutter goes to the city again and with difficulty enters the town hall, as Bertolino is considered a nuisance. He reaches the governor, but the latter becomes angry, raises his hand, and intends to strike Bertolino. Suddenly, the man can no longer move his hand, as it has become paralysed. The governor is startled, sends for clergymen, and Bertolino can tell his story once more. The governor begs God for mercy. The clergymen do as the beautiful Lady requested and go in procession to the woods of the apparitions. When the procession arrives at the spot Bertolino indicates, those present see a beautiful light that appears to set the crown of a tree ablaze. Then Mary appears for the fourth time, now with a brilliant halo. Suddenly, a spring appears at the tree, from which clear water flows. With water from the spring, the governor's hand is sprinkled, and immediately he can move his hand again.
Shortly after the events concerning the tree are recounted, many believers come to the site of the apparitions. A church and a monastery are built, and thus the sanctuary comes into being.
The spring water has brought about miraculous cures.
Around 1650, changes are made to the sanctuary. These are paid for by Duke Giosia Acquaviva d’Aragon (1625-1679).
Since 1847, the Capuchin friars have been active in the sanctuary. Over the many years, they have further beautified it. Adjustments have been made to, among other things, the access road, the church facade, the Rosary Portico, and the bell tower.
In 1927, a new convent is built next to the church.
In 2000, the church's facade tympanum was given a mosaic representing the Holy Trinity glorifying the Blessed Virgin.
Pilgrimage site
The sanctuary can be reached by car via the road and on foot along the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross (Via Crusis) are 450m in length and run from Via Montello to the sanctuary. In 1990 the Stations of the Cross were renovated and are now a true work of art. The renovation of the Stations of the Cross was the work of sculptor Ubaldo Ferretti (1954).
A large portico has been created for the church, which is adorned with mosaics. This is the Portico of the Rosary, as the artworks depict mysteries of the Rosary.
The main altar in the church is adorned with statues of two patron saints, namely the hermits and later saints San Pietro Celestino and San Benedetto. The effigy of Mary is the central part of the church.
The spring is adorned with mosaics from the Old and New Testaments. It is a meeting place for believers. The Rosary is also often prayed there. The spring is called the water temple and is located beneath the church's high altar.
The sanctuary also houses a museum, which was established in 1997. The rooms contain paintings and sculptures from the church and the convent of Santa Chiara dell’Aquila.
From the sanctuary, there is a beautiful view of the surroundings with the Adriatic Sea.
Every year on 22 April, the apparitions of Our Lady are commemorated.
ACCESSIBILITY
Giulianova lies on the Adriatic Sea, on the SS16 and close to the A14/E55 motorway in the province of Teramo (TE). Giulianova is located 30 km east of Teramo, 25 km south of San Benedetto del Tronto and 54 km north of Pescara.
The address of the sanctuary is Via dello Splendore 112, 64021 Giulianova, TE.
Actual information can be found on www.madonnadellosplendore.it.
Experience
The path to the shrine leads to an upper car park, but I park the car below and prefer the steep footpath. I follow the 450m Stations of the Cross, and the large statues of the 14 stations impress me. Pedestrians with sufficient lung capacity can manage this, and today I am one of them. After about 10 minutes, I am at the top and arrive at the square in front of the church. A service is in progress, and I don't want to disturb the churchgoers. Going inside will have to wait. There are many mosaics to be seen around the church. What works of art these are!
It is then to visit the source and I see the water flowing under the statue of Mary. A lot has happened here because of the creation of this spring...
After walking further, I reach the fence of the sanctuary plateau, and it's a joy to take in the views of the nearby blue Adriatic Sea. What an experience! Next, I come to the depiction of the seer Bertolino. He refers to his encounters with Our Lady. I want to visit the museum but unfortunately, it is closed.
In the church, I see many images of Mary and also of the apparitions in 1557. An impressive and beautiful statue of Mary stands in the centre of the altar. Many people pray here, even though the Eucharist service is over. I join them and send thoughts with intentions to the Virgin Mary for some friends who could use her help.
In front of the church stand some palm trees and I'm going to pay a visit to the café, which is adjacent to the large car park. There are about 80 cars and the pilgrims who have come by car have chosen to take a different route than the Way of the Cross. When I'm sitting on the terrace, I realise that it's a great place to be.
Environment
Giulianova is situated on the Adriatic Sea and, in fair weather, many bathers can be found on the beach. Places like San Benedetto del Tronto and Teramo are a short distance away.
Posted: 24 May 2023
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