Chiesa Santa Maria della Sorresca

The medieval Sanctuary of S. Maria della Sorresca lies on the shores of lake Paola, but near the centre. Built by the Benedictines in the 6th century, on the remains of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century, the small church preserves a wooden statue of the Virgin with the Child of the 13th century. The bell tower was originally designed as a look-out turret for defence.

The legend tells that a few fishermen found in their nets the a statue of the "Madonna con Bambino". For the entore day they left that statue inside a caved trunk and, at the end of the day, they decide to take it with them. The next day the statue wasn't there anymore and they found it in the same place it stayed the day before. Someone tells that they decide to take it with them again at the end of the day and the next day it was again missed... and they found it again in the same sport. They did understand that the Madonna wanted to stay on that side of the lake. The Madonna was called "Santa Maria della Sorresca" from the term 'risorgere' (literally 'rise again') and in the following years a church was build right there.
To recall that legend, the statue is now located on a trunk.

Even though the church is located on the municipality of Sabaudia, and it belongs to the church of San Felice Circeo. Every year on August 15th, there is the "Immacolata" day. To recall this legend the statue is taken to San Felice Circeo and from there it is done a great procession on the Sabaudia lake to take it "back" in his place.

You don't need to enter, but the site is worth a visit. Stop at the gate and look up:
The site is not mentioned as 'church'. What is the first word upon the gate?

A photo of you (or your nickname) in front of the church is appreciated!


PS: This spot is also a stage of my "Adventure Lab Cache" around Sabaudia.