The sanctuary of Madonna del Soccorso is located at the bottom of  Monte Ginestra. It was first built  in 1537, in honour of the Madonna della Ginestra  which  later changed to  Madonna del Soccorso. The sanctuary was restored in 1639.

The Sanctuary was built after the apparition of the Madonna who, in 1521 rescued a little 3 year old girl called Oliva Iannese.

Oliva got lost on the mountain and while she was desperately looking for her mother during a thunderstorm, a “Beautiful Lady” appeared. The  Lady stayed with the girl 7 whole days and when Oliva was hungry or thirsty, the Lady used to put her finger inside her mouth and automatically the girl stopped feeling hungry and thirsty. After this period the Lady showed the girl the right direction towards home.

When Oliva told the story, all the Cori inhabitants, the clergy, the magistrates went up to the mountain. A fresco with the image of the Madonna on a throne with the baby in the action of benediction was found.
The fresco, from 1300, was probably part of an old Chapel.

The first church was consecrated there in 1537 in honour of the Madonna della Ginestra. Due to the numerous miracles attributed to the Virgin, the name was changed in Madonna del Soccorso and a bigger church was built in 1639.

This has since become the main attraction of the village. The religious celebration, consists principally, in a procession and  a religious representation. Still today, the procession occurs on the second Sunday of May, and the whole village, the clergy as well as the authorities, participate. The ceremony ends with the mayor of the village offering candles to the Madonna during the solemn mass.

OPENING TIMES:  
7.30 – 10.00      18.30 - 19.30 ( summer )

MASS
7.00 - 10.00 - 16.30 ( winter )
17.30 ( summer )

Saturday 16.30 - 17.30