The Sanctuary of the Madonna dello Scoglio, perched on a dramatic rocky outcrop, is said to have been built in 1647 at the Virgin’s request. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared to a young shepherd and caused a spring to flow from the rock.
The veneration of the Madonna dello Scoglio is deeply cherished by the people of the Valnerina. Every year, on the first Sunday of June, a procession reaches the sanctuary. Starting from the parish church and carrying the banner of the Madonna dello Scoglio, the procession follows ancient paths and mule tracks to the sanctuary.
From the sanctuary, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Valnerina, with the green of the olive trees and the vibrant yellow of blooming broom flowers.
The most distinctive element of the celebration is the “shooters of Casteldilago”, who lead the procession, announcing the festival of the Madonna with the firing of traditional rifles and mortars.
The devotion has a dual origin: one linked to the round rock on which the sanctuary stands, and the other to the miracle of the arquebus in the 16th century. According to tradition, a local nobleman was gravely injured by the explosion of his rifle during a hunting trip and was miraculously healed through the intercession of the Madonna.
The image of the Virgin painted on the rock is invoked as the Madonna of Peace and as the protector of those injured by firearms and hunters.
The festival is preceded by a mesmerizing illumination of the village with torches, creating a magical and evocative atmosphere.