Tucked away in the hills of southern Italy is a neo-Gothic sanctuary that looks like a fairytale castle rising from the mountains. Set in a tiny village of fewer than 1,500 residents, this striking site combines history, faith and mountain scenery. Just two hours from Rome, yet far removed from Italy’s well-trodden tourist trail, it offers something quieter and more reflective than the country’s headline destinations.
The sanctuary in question is the Santuario della Madonna Addolorata, Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows, located in Castelpetroso, Molise. Castelpetroso itself is a small historic village perched at around 800 metres above sea level. Some refer to it as the “Little Lourdes of Italy”, a nod to its association with apparitions and pilgrimage.
