Sanctuary of Madonna Della Rocca

The small church of S. Maria della Rocca is located on Mount Tauro, near the Castello Saraceno. The church was built taking advantage of the special shape of the seat in the cave. In fact, you may notice on the inside as the same ceiling of the church is made of stone, precisely derived from the cavity into which the church has been set. Hence also the name of the church Madonna della Rocca. Next to the sanctuary there is a monastery, now abandoned, used by the order of Basilani as a place of penance. Architecturally, the structure is very spartan, in its style and interior. In front is a door whose doorposts and the lintel are made in Taormina stone. On either side of the door are two small symmetrical windows. On the southeast side of the church there is a small open space, formerly used as a vegetable garden and used by hermits, the edge of which stands a concrete cross. The Madonna della Rocca’s Day is celebrated the third Sunday of September, with great participation and involvement of the population. A nine-day novena before the feast of the Madonna della Rocca. In this period of preparation will celebrate Mass and to pray the Rosary.