Santuario antico della Madonna del Tindari

The ancient Sanctuary of Tindari was the building that, during the Byzantine domination 535 - 836, while iconoclastic persecution spread by the emperor Leo III Isauric in the East, hosted the simulacrum of the Brown Virgin.

The facade has three orders: the first is made of ashlar as well as the portal, the second is characterized by a circular window and the third is formed by a triangular tympanum bearing the inscription "AVE MARIA".

The interior of the church has three naves, in the main one the altar now dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus dominates, in the right aisle it is possible to admire various works including the statue of St. Joseph and the child Jesus and the Chapel of Maria Santissima del Tindari in Baroque style with stucco high-reliefs and twisted columns. The left aisle has a niche containing the marble statue of Jesus baptized by St. John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

This sanctuary boasts the title of Liberian Sanctuary as its origins are closely linked with those of the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, considered the oldest Marian shrine in West and wanted by Pope Liberius.

In compliance with the provisions given for this coronavirus emergency, visits to the Ancient Sanctuary ARE SUSPENDED until further notice.