Legend of the Madonna di Crispino Sanctuary
The foundation of the Madonna di Crispino Sanctuary in Monforte San Giorgio is linked to the discovery of an image of the Virgin Mary.
According to legend, in the place where the Sanctuary stands today, an image of the Virgin was found in a cave by some farmers. The inhabitants of Pellegrino arrived to transport the image to their church but the transport proved difficult: the painting as it moved away from the place of discovery became increasingly heavy, while going back instead it suddenly became very light. So it was decided to bring the image back and when it reached a place not far from the cave it was no longer possible to move the image. The event was interpreted as a will of the Virgin to be venerated in that place.
According to legend, the arch next to the sanctuary was built at the point where the painting stopped. A bell was placed on the arch, the tolling of which announced the beginning of religious functions.
