Shrine of Santa Maria delle Armi

The Shrine of Santa Maria delle Armi is among the most valuable medieval complexes in Calabria. It is located in the territory of Cerchiara di Calabria, in the province of Cosenza, on the slopes of Mount Sellaro, from which there is an extraordinary view of the Sibari Plain.

Today's Shrine of Santa Maria delle Armi stands on an ancient Byzantine site and was originally a women's monastery. Built in the 15th century, the complex was dedicated to the Madonna delle Armi following a miraculous discovery:

legend has it that in 1450, some hunters saw a deer sneaking into a small cave on the mountain, chasing it they discovered two wooden icons depicting the evangelist saints. The hunters took the tablets back to their home town, but they promptly disappeared and reappeared in the same spot in the cave, where the Shrine was finally founded. During the construction work, a stone split open and an image of the Madonna and Child appeared inside, which is still an object of veneration today.

The Feast of Our Lady of Arms is celebrated every year on 25 April. On this occasion, it is very beautiful to watch the characteristic procession through the mountains, where ancient hymns to the Virgin are sung.