The Santa Maria di Galloro Sanctuary is located just outside the historical center of Ariccia.
Santa Maria di Galloro Church Ariccia
Useful information
Address: Via Appia Nuova, 54 – Ariccia. Phone: +39 06 9330731. Opening times: 07.00 till 19.00 (Sundays 08.00-19.00). Ticket price: Free.
History and description
The Santa Maria di Galloro Sanctuary was constructed in 1624. It was commissioned by Paolo Savelli, and approved by Pope Urban VIII.
The “Madonna di Gallora” is an image of Maria that was found by a child called Sante Bevilaqua. After some miracles had been attributed to the effigy, a chapel was built, which would later become the church.
One of the miracles attributed to the image happened during an epidemic of the plague in 1656. The entire region, including Rome, suffered the consequences, but Ariccia was miraculously saved.
When Alessandro Chigi became Pope, he had Gian Lorenzo Bernini renovate the facade and the interior of the dome.
In 1716, the mortal remains of Saint Clemens were transferred to the church.
Still, every 8th of December, the population chooses a local girl to offer thanks to the Madonna.