Italiano 
Polski 
Deutsch 
Español 
English 
5. Shrine
The façade of the Cave of Our Lady and the House of the Guardian are the work of Father Doebbing. The Papal coat of arms above the entrance recalls that this is a “Basilica Minor”. Above the Grotto is the hermitage of St Anastasias abbot, with three cells. The Saint lived here after he abandoned his job in the Roman Curia. Higher up we can see the windows that Rodio excavated to give light to the Stairs.
On the wall of the House of the Guardian a tile by A. De Rhoden portrays the miracle of St Francis’ stigmata.
Two paths leave from the square: one that descends to the Basilica of St Elia (5 minutes) called the “Path of the Saints” and the other that through the House of the Guardian leads to the entrance to Rodio’s Stairs, called the “Panoramic Path” because along its 250 metres visitors can admire all the beauty of the Suppentonia Valley.
Interior of the Holy Cave
The Cave’s origins date to the 6th century: this was the place where the Benedictine monks, conforming to their rule, venerated Our Lady and withdrew for prayer. During the Saracen invasion (7th cent.) this was the place where they hid the relics of their saints.
Originally it wasn’t very different from many other caves in the Suppentonia valley. It was Rodio who arranged it and excavated a small cell inside it for him to live in.. Then, in 1898, Fr Doebbing completely restored it and extended it on one side in order to be able to build an altar in honour of St Benedetto Labre, so giving it the form it has today.
On the left of Our Lady’s altar is the tomb of Brother Giuseppe Andrea Rodio, which he excavated himself.
