The Path of the Country Chapels of Pescosolido

The experience

Religious itinerary in Pescosolido

The route tells of a very ancient artistic and religious reality of the inhabitants of the village of Pescosolido, whose name derives from “rocky and solid land”. You will walk along a circular path of about 5 km, where you will encounter chapels, churches and votive shrines that represent the symbols of popular religiosity, where devotion was combined with hard work in the fields and sheep farming. This itinerary is a real open-air museum, with small architectural structures scattered along the way; There are over twenty of them, of which thirteen have been restored.

The votive shrines of Pescosolido

These shrines and churches, called “Co’ne” (from icons), were erected by devotees since the late 1600s to propitiate good harvests, shelter from the weather and protect themselves from natural disasters. From the Madonna della Misericordia, to the Madonna della Neve, del Prato, del Vallone, del Suffragio, these structures have been restored also thanks to the contributions of the descendants of the Pescosolido families who emigrated abroad.

Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the Madonna della Misericordia, located in a panoramic position that offers a breathtaking view of the valley below. This chapel, like many others along the way, has been the subject of numerous pilgrimages and religious ceremonies over the centuries. Our Lady of the Snows, on the other hand, is located in a clearing in the woods, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity. The traditions related to this shrine include processions and popular festivals that take place every year, attracting visitors and worshippers from all over the region.

Continuing along the path, you will come across the Madonna del Prato, one of the oldest votive shrines in the village. Its location, close to cultivated fields, reflects the close connection between religious devotion and agriculture. The inhabitants of Pescosolido went there to ask for protection for the crops and for the fertility of the land. The Vallone chapel, on the other hand, located in a rocky gorge, served as a refuge for shepherds during storms and as a place of prayer to ask for protection from the natural elements.

Finally, the Madonna del Suffragio is dedicated to the memory of the deceased and represents a place of meditation and prayer for the families of the village. Recently restored, this chapel is an example of the commitment of the community of Pescosolido to preserve its cultural and religious heritage. The restorations were made possible thanks to the contributions of the descendants of the emigrated families, who maintain a strong bond with their homeland and its traditions.

Along the way, there will be no shortage of opportunities to meet the inhabitants of the village, who proudly share the stories and legends related to these ancient structures. You will be able to listen to anecdotes handed down from generation to generation, which tell of miracles, apparitions and moments of great devotion.

At the end of the walk, you will feel not only enriched by the artistic and natural beauty of the route, but also deeply connected to the history and culture of Pescosolido. This itinerary offers a unique experience, a journey through time that will allow you to rediscover the spiritual and cultural roots of this fascinating community.