Chiesetta di Piedigrotta in Pizzo
Pizzo is a great place for a day trip. If you haven’t already read the first part of my day trip to Pizzo, head on over there now. A trip to Pizzo would be incomplete without a visit to the unique and impressive Chiesetta di Piedigrotta. I have never seen anything like it and it is definitely worth seeing!
The Story Behind the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta:
The story of how this unique and intriguing church came to be is based on history and legend. As the story goes, in the mid 1600s, a ship was travelling from Naples when it found itself in a fierce storm. The captain and his crew fearing for their safety, gathered in the captain’s cabin to pray in front of a painting of Madonna of Piedigrotta.
The ship crashed, and the cargo was lost, but the whole crew and its captain managed to swim to shore where the painting had also washed up.
It is said that the painting was placed in a grotto nearby. However, it would seem the Madonna had other plans, after two storms caused great waves that whisked the painting away and returning it to the shores it had originally washed up on. On these shores was a natural cave that was extended and became “home” to the painting.
It wasn’t until the late 1800s when Angelo Barone, a native of Pizzo, began work on the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta. Many years using only a pickaxe and a spade, Angelo Barone began enlarging the cave and sculpting many of the statues that you can admire today. His son, Alfonso, took over his father’s work for another 40 years. The Chiesetta had been nearly forgotten, left to the elements and vandals. But in the 60s, Giorgio Barone, returning from Canada, began the laborious chore of restoring the works of his ancestors.
How To Get There:
The Chiesetta di Piedigrotta is located on the beach. In order to get to it you need to take a set of stairs down from the main road. There is limited parking near the staircase on Via Riviera Prangi (SS522) opposite the Aquarium Bar. The Chiesetta isn’t very well marked, so you need to pay extra special attention so as not to miss it. Once you’ve parked, you follow a path and the steps down to the beach. And, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view!
Inside the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta:
At the main entrance, there is a small table where you can buy tickets.
The church is a bit of a maze as you wind your way through the smaller caverns within the chiesetta, with every turn you are met with another sculpture, it is quite remarkable and inspiring to think that these were all carved by hand out of the existing rock. The amount of time, effort and dedication that went into the chiesetta is truly incredible. As you see some of the sculptures slightly worn out due to the climate and the passing of time, it is a bit heartbreaking.
To your left you’ll find the Chapel of the Madonna of Pompeii. The scene before you is a depiction of the Holy Mass with a priest celebrating the mass, angels, two Evangelists at each side of the arch and a large fish.
Following the walls on the left hand side, you’ll see San Francesco di Paola crossing the Strait of Messina.
Moving along further you see this sculpture of the Heart of Jesus.
Within one of the inner caverns is the Angel of Death placing a crown on the head of Saint Rita.
Continue to the far back corner and we see The Three Wisemen arriving on their camels.
Next to it is the Nativity Scene with Jesus in the arms of Mary, surrounded by St. Joseph, shepherds, an ox and a donkey.
On your right of the main entrance, you’ll see four angels around the Holy Water Font.
Next to the Holy Font is San Antonio di Padova with orphans.
And the Heart of Mary.
Entering into one of the internal caverns, you find yourself in front of Saint George, in his famous pose of him fearlessly piercing a dragon. Saint George holds special meaning to the people of Pizzo because his is the patron saint of the town.
Next to him, within another internal cavern is Madonna of Lourdes (made of plaster) with Bernadette kneeling in front of it.
Continuing through towards the back of the chiesetta there is this interesting design on the wall
As well as two Medallions with the faces of Pope John XXIII and Kennedy by artist Giorgio Barone.
Venturing further in, you’ll see this incredible display of Jesus among the apostles, at his feet a woman sitting with baskets filled with fish.
To the left was this interesting sculpture, it glistened from the water that trickled down – perhaps it’s a fisherman bringing in his line?
In the centre of the chiesetta is the main Altar with a copy of the painting of the Madonna di Piedigrotta (the original is currently being kept in the Sanctuary of San Francesco di Paola). Above are frescoes that, unfortunately, have been damaged over time.
The cool dark church makes the blue waters outside pop even more than usual.
Ticket Prices:
3,00€ – General Admission
2,50€ – Children aged 7-10 when with an adult / Adults over 65 years of age / Groups of 15 or more.
Hours of Operation:
December, January, February
11:00am – 1:00pm / 3:00pm – 5:00pm (weekends and public holidays)
Closed when it rains
March
11:00am – 1:00pm / 3:00pm – 5:00pm (open daily)
Closed when it rains
April, May, June
9:00pm -1:00pm / 3:00pm – 6:00pm (open daily)
July, August
9:00pm -1:00pm / 3:00pm – 7:30pm (open daily)
September, October
9:00pm -1:00pm / 3:00pm – 6:00pm (open daily)
November
11:00am – 1:00pm / 3:00pm – 5:00pm (open daily)
Closed when it rains
Head on over to the Calabrisella Mia Facebook page for more pics!
Have you ever heard of or visited the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this interesting church in the comments below.
Check out my YouTube video and join me for an afternoon of exploring this village.
Comments are closed.
Lyanna Soria
February 16, 2020 at 10:56 amThat looks absolutely amazing and look at all those wonderful sculptures! Definitely a place where my family and I would love to visit during our travels.
Melanie williams
February 14, 2020 at 3:29 pmLOVE all your photos!! this place is absolutly stunning and I would deffo love to visit at some point for sure xx
Thuy
February 14, 2020 at 2:24 pmWow what intricate details and wonderful work, I’d definitely pay to see this hidden gem
LuLu
February 28, 2020 at 8:00 amIt’s like nothing I’d ever seen before! 🙂
Lyosha
February 14, 2020 at 8:35 amwow! the place looks so dreamy! i would be all in for visiting it
Live Learn Better
February 13, 2020 at 5:48 pmIf you’ve not been made an Ambassador yet, please tell them I said they should!
You have no idea how attractive you make Italy look to me right now. Those pictures show deep historical details that is better experienced than read.
Thank you for sharing
LuLu
February 28, 2020 at 8:02 amAww, thank you so much! It warms my heart to share all the beauty of Calabria! 🙂
Julia
February 12, 2020 at 9:36 pmHi LuLu,
What a breathtaking view of the beach and fantastic work of art inside the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta in Pizzo! The legend is beautiful. The work of the sculptors is a masterpiece and persistence is unbelievable! I’m glad that a descendant is known and he started restoring the works. All 3 Barone men are incredible
I’ve read the 1st part of your day trip to Pizzo Calabro too. It sounds like a beautiful little place worth to visit. Thank you very much for sharing your traveling experience with us and for the wonderful photos.
~ Julia
Sarah
February 12, 2020 at 2:53 pmChiesetta di Piedigrotta in Pizzo looks like an absolute dream for a day trip. The history of the area is fascinating and the time and dedication to chisel the statues, is amazing. I will have to visit.
Kelly Martin
February 12, 2020 at 10:30 amChiesetta Di Piedigrotta is somewhere that I hadn’t heard of until I read your article. I love the history behind it and the statues look great. This would be a really interesting place to visit.
Stephanie S.
February 12, 2020 at 5:53 amI really enjoy your blog, and being in other blogging groups with you I am able to visit your page often. I love how in every picture there is so much detail, and beauty. My favorite was the picture that you took, and described it as Jesus, with his apostles, and a woman sitting at his feet. I really focused on that picture, and all the detail. I would love to visit one day. It looks like you had a wonderful time on this adventure. Thank you for sharing.
LuLu
February 28, 2020 at 8:07 amThank you Stephanie! The world is bursting with so many interesting places and thanks to the internet we can share these lesser-known places with the world. I’ve been in Italy for quite some time now and I’m still discovering new things! 🙂 Thank you for reading and commenting, it means so much!
Britt K
February 12, 2020 at 5:34 amI have always been so fascinated by the history of various locations and the artifacts/architecture/etc. that provides us with a glimpse into times long before our own. Just looking at your pictures, I find myself imagining life at that time. It’s amazing to see that they were able to maintain so many items in such great condition! Definitely worth the money to see this glimpse of history up close and personal.
Lene Andersen
February 12, 2020 at 2:36 amAbsolutely stunning! And to find that kind of treasure tucked away like that. Just imagine all the hours (days, months, years) that went into creating that. Thanks again so much so sharing this beauty!
LuLu
February 13, 2020 at 8:49 amIt’s really remarkable, Lene!
Dreams Abroad
February 11, 2020 at 11:55 pmI love coastal cities like Chiesetta di Piedigrotta. The stone sculptures that are in the caves must have been amazing. How much were the tickets to see those art pieces?
LuLu
February 13, 2020 at 8:48 amFor the Chiesetta it’s 3 euros but you can also get a combo ticket that allows you entrance to the Chiesetta and the Castle in Pizzo for 4.50 euros.
Scott DeNicola
February 11, 2020 at 4:34 pmWhat an amazing story and church. To think that all of those statues were carved by hand is crazy. There are such intricate details to have been done by hand so many years ago. Chiesetta di Piedigrotta is a must-see and I like that it’s off the beaten path. I’d love to see that original painting as well one day in it’s location.
LuLu
February 13, 2020 at 8:45 amIt’s so impressive, Scott! It’s not a very big church but every single part of it has been carved. I’ve never seen anything like it!
Image Earth Travel
August 7, 2018 at 1:07 pmGreat read and photos!
I need to get to Pizzo again and not just drive through like last time as we didn’t see anything. Living in Cosenza, I have no excuse. 😉
Kelli at Hungry Hobby
August 1, 2018 at 2:58 amThis is so beautifull!! I really enjoyed looking at the pictures!
Alana
August 1, 2018 at 12:00 amWhat amazing photos! I would love to visit. Thank you so much for sharing this awesome adventure with us!
LuLu
August 1, 2018 at 2:04 pmThank you for visiting the blog and leaving a comment! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Ruthie Ridley
July 31, 2018 at 6:11 pmSO much history here! I cannot wait to visit!
Jennifer Morrison
July 31, 2018 at 3:47 amWhat an amazing shrine! I have never heard of it, and would love to visit there on my next trip.
LuLu
July 31, 2018 at 8:16 amYa, it’s pretty cool! It’s finally starting to get the recognition and attention it deserves. For a short time it was neglected but I think they are finally realizing the added value it brings to Pizzo Calabro, which is a great day trip when visiting Calabria.
Marcie
July 31, 2018 at 2:51 amWhoa! What an interesting story! And what a great attractions to explore! I’ll have to add this to the itinerary next time I bring my kids to Italy!
LuLu
July 31, 2018 at 8:14 amYou definitely should consider hitting Calabria if you ever come to southern Italy. This place was really cool! Like nothing I’ve ever seen before!
KareninCalabria
July 28, 2018 at 12:09 pmNice pictures. I guess I lucked out when I visited quite a number of years ago now, as there wasn’t an admission charge. Definitely an interesting place to see.
LuLu
July 29, 2018 at 8:21 amThanks, yes you did luck out. Although the price is reasonable, especially if it goes to conserving this interesting and delicate treasure. I get the impression they are starting to value it’s tourism value and are making steps to make it more tourist friendly. I’m really glad we were able to see it – I enjoyed it a lot.
Image Earth Travel
August 7, 2018 at 1:11 pmIsn’t is always the way when you visit a place for free then years’ later there’s an admission charge…
Mary Bissett
July 27, 2018 at 6:50 pmHi Lulu, I enjoy your blog. I just finished reading about Pizzo and the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta in the book Calabria The Other Italy by Karen Haid. My family immigrated from Gerace R.C. in the early 1900’s and I relish every bit I can read about Calabria as there is very little information. Although there is much more today than 10 yrs ago when I planned our first visit. Thanks for keeping me connected to my ancestry.
LuLu
July 29, 2018 at 8:20 amCiao Mary, grazie mille for reading my blog! I’m glad you enjoy it. I’ve been to Gerace, it’s very beautiful! I would like to get back there because I went on a whim and wasn’t prepared and didn’t get a chance to take pictures or learn more about it. It was a wander around and get lost in the beauty type of afternoon. Any plans to visit Italy again soon?