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Sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca in Fondi: the sacred image that withstood everything
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Rocca (Our Lady of the Rock or Fortress), standing on top of Mount Arcano, overlooks the plain of Fondi. The mountain's name comes from the Latin arx, meaning fortress, which also gives the sanctuary its Marian title. Another hypothesis suggests it derives from the castle of Riccardo dell'Aquila, Count of Fondi.
A tradition dating back to the 3rd century
The tradition links the sanctuary to the persecution under Decius. According to this tradition, Christians were killed on Mount Arcano, and the sanctuary was built to commemorate them. This hypothesis is supported by the image of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to date back to the 3rd century. In 1599, Bishop Comparini visited the site. Then in 1789, French troops devastated everything — except the sacred image.
Mons. Forte, Moravia and Morante
The sanctuary was brought back to life in the latter part of the 20th century thanks to Monsignor Mario Forte, who raised funds from as far as the United States to restore it. During the Second World War, Elsa Morante and Alberto Moravia took refuge for nine months in a hut between Mount Arcano and Valle Vigna. Traces of these places can be found in their works, such as La storia and La ciociara.
The feast of 2 July
On 2 July each year, the feast of the Madonna della Rocca is celebrated with a nighttime pilgrimage from the Monastery of San Magno (St Magnus), masses, vigils, and a procession carrying the statue of the Madonna.
