The Sanctuary of the Black Madonna in Tindari, Sicily
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We’re back in Sicily today, dear readers, to visit Tindari (Tyndaris), an ancient Greek settlement in the comune of Patti.
I’ll tell you more about the history of this once vibrant city overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea another day when we tour the ruins of Tindari, but today’s feature is the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna (Santuario della Madonna Nera).
The original church, which had been built on top of the old city’s ruins, was destroyed by Algerian pirates in 1544, then reconstructed between 1552 and 1598; the sanctuary was expanded in 1979 when a new, larger church was built on the site.
The whole grounds are just lovely; indeed, here is a fabulous mosaic that you’ll see on the walk up to the church doors. I don’t know who he is, but he sure looks peaceful and content, doesn’t he?
I should mention that the phenomenon of Black Madonnas around the world is interesting in and of itself, and you can read more about it here.
The Black Madonna in Tindari, carved of cedar, has a few legends attached to her, some of which include how she got there in the first place.
One legend says that sailors, having sought refuge from a storm in the bay of Tindari, found themselves unable to ship back out to sea.
They began unloading their cargo little by little until they realized that it was the Black Madonna herself that needed to stay in Tindari, so they carried her up to the small church on the hill, and she has remained there ever since.
Another legend says that the statue was brought from the Middle East (its likely origin regardless of how it ended up in Tindari) to protect Sicily during the Iconoclastic Wars in the 8th century.
And these aren’t the only legends surrounding the Black Madonna. See this lagoon?
It is said to have been created when a mother coming to visit the sanctuary refused to pray to the Madonna because she was black. When the woman’s baby slipped from her grasp into the sea below, the Madonna made parts of the land rise to save the baby and the lagoon was born.
Another interesting feature of the Madonna Nera is the inscription “Nigra sum sed formosa” at the base of the statue. It means “I am black but beautiful” and comes from the Old Testament’s Song of Songs, although the precise relationship between the biblical phrase and the Black Madonna is widely debated.
Some of you from the New York/New Jersey area may have already heard of the Black Madonna of Tindari as Sicilian immigrants have honored her since the early 20th century–for more information on this connection, check out a great article by Joseph Sciorra discussing the history of The Black Madonna of East Thirteenth Street as well as a short piece from The New York Times.
And, before we go, another gorgeous view looking down from the Sanctuary:
Pure tranquility and beauty in Tindari.
I highly recommend a visit.
22 Beans of Wisdom to “The Sanctuary of the Black Madonna in Tindari, Sicily”
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Michelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived.
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Thank you for another extremely interesting post. Love the pictures.
Thanks Gil; Tindari should definitely be on your itinerary when you get a chance to explore Sicily…more photos coming. The ruins are *fabulous*. Also, I hope you’re clicking on the photos to take you to the larger version and to more at Flickr!
lovely tour through this interesting place…I love the mosaic, very vivid 🙂
erin’s last blog post..festa della donna & a bike ride
The mosaic was truly amazing; there are lots of mosaics there including huge panels that tell the story of the Black Madonna–but those were behind an iron gate so I could only see them from a distance and the photos really don’t convey how amazing they are 🙁
As always – your posts are very educational -and your photos make one feel you are there beside you as you give your “tour guide” speech. Now, all I need is a great big winning lottery ticket so I can travel and see these beautiful and interesting places for myself. Till then though, I’ll do it vicariously with you leading me through Italy.
Jeni Hill Ertmer’s last blog post..Sunday Sample
Glad you enjoyed the virtual tour Jeni; it’s great to be able to share these lesser known sites that many will never get to. So happy you’re along for the ride 🙂
Holy Childhood memories batman! Everytime I’ve been to Sicily I’ve gone to Tindari. I had to talk my grandmother out of doing the pilgrimage one year (walking up the mountain in August heat – she was 85 at the time) and there were always ‘santini’ of the Madonna in our house. The first time I went (I was 4) my grandmother told me the story about the mother and the child that fell into the sea. I had nightmares about it, which is why I remember it so vividly. I am just loving touring with you! Cheap and I didn’t have to pack!
Joanne’s last blog post..Festa Italiana
Um yes, I think I would’ve had nightmares about the child falling into the sea too. Thanks for sharing your memories! I love it! And I’m so happy that you’re on the tour. More Tindari coming soon–whole post on the ruins 🙂
Very beautiful. That water is soooo blue!!! Makes me want to dive right in off the rocks 😉
I think the church is unique looking too! I love all the Italian stories…true or stretching it a bit…either way they are always entertaining!
My Melange’s last blog post..The Ultimate Blog Party
This is definitely a cool place, and yes, I love the stories too 🙂
Sognatrice,
Remember the many references in The Secret Life of Bees to the Black Madonna? Veeeerdy *IN*terestink, no?!
We’re just all about “coincidences” these days aren’t we?
I love these beautiful pictures and snippets of Italy. So beautiful!
bella’s last blog post..it rained but we still had fun
Thanks Bella; nice to see you as always 🙂
Michelle, what great photos and I love reading about these legends and traditions.
Isn’t there a Black Madonna in the Positano church?
nyc/caribbean ragazza’s last blog post..New York’s crime busting Governor is “caught” in a prostitution ring.
You made me look, and sure enough, our girl in Positano wrote a post about the portrait of Positano’s Black Madonna who actually played a huge role in how the town got its name 🙂
Oh, I’d hoped we’d be back in Sicily today! Loved the Madonna legends. I learn a lot coming to your blog! 🙂
Those views are gorgeous too.
kacey’s last blog post..I Do Not Understand Males
I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying the Sicily posts in particular; it’s a great incentive to keep traveloguing 😉
Oh, I can’t believe I was away when you came to Sicily! I’m happy to see you enjoyed yourself… I look forward to reading about your trip!
Jill’s last blog post..And we’re off…
I know, bad timing…next time though!
How gorgeous it is! I love the photos, history and legends you mix in.
Julie Pippert’s last blog post..For my friend, on the occasion of her 37th piece of trying news
Thanks Julie, and thanks for stopping by 🙂
rick steves doesn’t do sicilia very well so i am thinking i will weave your posts together for our southern trip advising! your insights are quite helpful!
qualcosa di bello’s last blog post..the wonder of it all…
Anything I can do to help, you just let me know!
I’m enjoying your series on Sicily. This is especially interesting. Thanks for taking me on the armchair tour 🙂
Maryann’s last blog post..Homemade Manicotti
Happy to have you along Maryann!
Don’t worry I have checked out the larger versions and the other beautiful photos on Flickr!
Glad to hear it 🙂
Oh it looks so beautiful, I can’t wait to go. Thanks for all the great information.
PS I’ve been dreaming about bearded men too, but I think it’s just too much Jovanotti. Now that’s one cute beard.
amanda’s last blog post..Bones and stones
Ah yes, Jovanotti will certainly do it….
Miiiiiiiiiii!!! Gorgeous, gorgeous pics. And the dude in the mosaic reminds me of the Dalai Lama.
Linda’s last blog post..It’s a Masala Festa!!!
Yes Linda, that’s who I thought of too; there was some writing in the mosaic in the lower left corner, but I couldn’t make it out even with my zoom (this was behind a fence or something else blocking access–can’t remember). Thought it might be odd to have the Dalai Lama on a Catholic pilgrimage site, but it would certainly be awesome 🙂
I’m LOVING your blog, thanks so much for these guided tours with such detailed stories/info and stellar photos!
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DanaB’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: The Rails
Oh thank *you* Dana for coming by and letting me know how much you’re enjoying it 🙂
I’m loving these posts, and your gorgeous photos.
Bipolarlawyercook’s last blog post..A Mary Oliver poem while my thoughts collect themselves
Happy to hear it BLC…lots more coming!
Hi Michelle – I love your post. Just a little tidbit – my grandfather, who was from Sicily, had the first name of Tindaro. I always wondered where this name came from and now I know. Thanks!!
That is *so* interesting! Thanks for sharing Sandy!
Those pictures are beautiful! Sicily is where my family left when they came to the U.S., but I would love to visit there someday!
Lots more Sicily photos coming! Stay tuned 🙂
Thanks for the information on the Black Madonna of Tindari. I have wanted to secure a statue of the Black Madonna of Tindari. Would you know if there were statues of the Black Madonna at the shrine?
Thanks.
Fr. Peter De Franco
Thank you for reading and for you comment, Father.
I actually didn’t get to go in all the shops in the Sanctuary complex as I had to catch a train, so I’m not sure exactly what’s available there. I know a fellow American blogger who lives in the nearby town of Olivieri, Sharon of Respiri di Vita. Perhaps she might know more.
If you still can’t find anything out, though, let me know, and we can try to contact the diocese if you like; if you read/write in Italian, this is homepage of the Diocese of Patti’s Sanctuary of Tindari.
Best of luck!