The rock that once was an Island

It would have certainly been the privileged position between the sea and the village that gave rise in the high middle ages to the location of this sacred place of retreat and prayer. It is believed that the church was originally built by a community of Swiss Orthodox Monks, with the Abbey of Monte Cassino annexed later. The small church is no longer completely surrounded by sea but reachable by a staircase constructed in the 8th century, today not only climbed by worshippers and tourists but also a poetic refuge for lovers of peace and quiet.

Legend has it that in distant times a ship came aground in the shallow waters around the island. The boat was unable to be freed, but the Bishop of Tropea rescued the wooden statue of the Madonna that the sailors had brought with them. He declared that the statue be placed high in a crevice on the cliffs but unfortunately the size of the statue's feet caused problems when fitting it into the original site chosen. It was decided that the feet would be sawn off but when the local carpenter came to carry out the task, he was unable to saw through the wood and then fell down dead. This created the belief that the statue had miraculous powers and a divine power that wished for the Madonna to be placed on the cliffs.

The beauty of the Church of the Madonna dell'Isola is the exquisite result of local craftspeople even if today it is difficult to find the original influences from the Byzantines and the High Middle Ages. Recent excavations have also brought to light important finds that date back to the primordial Calabrian monarchies. The church has been rebuilt many times due to earthquakes, with the most recent in 1905 destroying the small church dedicated to San Lorenzo that was situated at the base of the original staircase.

A symbol not only of the city of Tropea but of the entire region of Calabria, the small sanctuary on top of the cliffs is an oasis of peace. Explore the terrace, the adjacent garden and if possible, come at sunset. One look towards the sea, and the weight of the world will be lifted from your shoulders.