Santa Maria dell'Acquasanta Sanctuary

In the heart of Marino, a picturesque town nestled in the Castelli Romani area just outside Rome, stands the Santa Maria dell'Acquasanta Sanctuary, also known in Italian as Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Acquasanta. This sanctuary is not just a place of worship but a testament to centuries of faith, miracles, and architectural evolution. It's a hidden gem that beckons visitors with its intriguing history and serene ambiance.

The Origins of the Sanctuary

The origins of the Santa Maria dell'Acquasanta Sanctuary are shrouded in the mists of time. The sanctuary's focal point, an image of the Madonna, is believed to have been created between the 4th and 9th centuries, with popular tradition leaning towards the 6th century. This ancient image was initially placed in a roadside shrine along the path leading to Castel Gandolfo and Albano Laziale, now known as Via Antonio Fratti.

The sanctuary's name, Acquasanta, meaning Holy Water, is derived from the miraculous events associated with the Madonna's image. One such legend tells of a man who lost control of his horse on the steep roads and was saved from a fatal fall by the divine intervention of the Madonna. Over the centuries, numerous other miracles have been attributed to the Virgin of Acquasanta, solidifying the sanctuary's reputation as a place of divine grace.

Architectural Evolution

Originally, the image of the Madonna was housed in a simple roadside shrine. However, by the 16th century, this shrine had been incorporated into the first structure of the sanctuary. The sanctuary underwent significant transformations between 1693 and 1720, resulting in the single-nave structure we see today, carved into the local peperino stone.

One of the most striking features of the sanctuary is its neoclassical facade, designed by architect Matteo Lovatti in 1819. The facade, made entirely of peperino stone, is characterized by its Tuscan columns and a modillioned architrave. The iron gate that once enclosed the narthex has been replaced by a glass door, allowing visitors to glimpse the sanctuary's interior even from the outside.

Inside the Sanctuary

Stepping inside the Santa Maria dell'Acquasanta Sanctuary is like entering a sacred grotto. The right side of the nave is entirely carved into the peperino rock, giving the interior a unique and rustic charm. The only window in the sanctuary is located on the left wall, above the altar of the Holy Crucifix, the sanctuary's sole side altar.

The main altar, a magnificent rococo masterpiece dating back to 1759, houses the revered image of the Madonna. The altar is adorned with stucco festoons and volutes, and two small statues of curly-haired children. Above the altar, an inscription in Latin reads, apud Te est fons vitae (With you is the fountain of life), from Psalm 35. This inscription, along with the image of the Madonna and Child, symbolizes the sanctuary's role as a source of spiritual renewal and divine protection.

The Holy Crucifix Altar

The Holy Crucifix Altar, financed by two Calabrian priests, Giovanni Andrea and Nicola Fico, in 1788, is another significant feature of the sanctuary. The altar originally housed a life-sized wooden crucifix, a gift from Canon Francesco Fumasoni Biondi, who also commissioned a painted frame for the crucifix from artist Massimo d'Azeglio. Although the original crucifix and painting have been lost, the altar remains a poignant reminder of the sanctuary's rich history and the devotion of its benefactors.

The Sacristy and the Original Shrine

The sacristy, accessible through a bronze door created by local artist Stefano Piali in 2005, is a rectangular room with a pavilion vault ceiling adorned with 18th-century stucco. Outside the sacristy is a small garden, believed to be the original orto (garden) that gave the sanctuary its first name, Santa Maria dell'Orto. Here, visitors can find the ancient peperino staircase that once provided access to the Madonna's image before the sanctuary was built.

The Tower of the Rectory

Above the sanctuary, a tower rises, adding to the building's historic charm. This tower, which dates back to the 16th century, was extended in the late 18th century. Although the original bell tower was demolished in 1926, the tower remains a prominent feature of the sanctuary, symbolizing its enduring presence in Marino's skyline.

The Santa Maria dell'Acquasanta Sanctuary is more than just a religious site; it is a place where history, faith, and architecture converge. Whether you are a devout pilgrim seeking spiritual solace or a curious traveler eager to explore the hidden treasures of Marino, the sanctuary offers a unique and enriching experience. Its ancient walls and sacred spaces invite you to pause, reflect, and connect with a tradition that has inspired countless generations. So, next time you find yourself in the Castelli Romani, make sure to visit the Santa Maria dell'Acquasanta Sanctuary and discover the timeless beauty of this sacred haven.