On the Calabrian coast, along the Saracen coast, near punta Alice in the municipality of Cirò Marina, we find an unexpected and beautiful place: the sanctuary of Madonna di Mare.
How to get to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Sea
The shrine of Our Lady of the Sea is located a very short distance from the promontory of Punta Alice, an important archaeological site and also a renowned tourist resort.
Getting to the Madonna di Mare shrine is really easy. The place is easily accessible and not far from the “Madonna del Mare” exit on Highway 106.
A place of peace and serenity
This lonely place has the power to instill a great sense of calm and serenity.
On the day of our visit we were practically alone, but the few people we met reported that this magnificent place is not very busy.
The few people is the silence of the place make this shrine an almost mystical place. Its location on the promontory of Punta Alice allows one to contemplate the sea with a beautiful view of a wide stretch of the Calabrian Coast.
The small church
Unfortunately, it was not possible to visit the small church of Our Lady of the Sea inside.
On the day of our visit the door was closed, but you are able to peek inside. What you see is an ancient and bare place, with a small altar and few seats.
Saracen markets
Next to the small church is the former mercantile complex of the Santa Croce Fair, now known as the Saracen Markets.
Apparently, in the 1700s this df was one of the most important “fairgrounds” (as we would call it today) in the area and was bombarded by Turkish ships.
The bombardment of the place by Turkish ships is thought to have given rise to the present name “Saracen Markets.”
This place is now the scene of various artistic performances. During Cirò Marina’s patron saint’s day, the statue of St. Cataldo, Cirò’s patron saint, is taken to the Saracen markets and then left overnight in the little church of Madonna di Mare.
Surroundings
The small church of Madonna di Mare and the Saracen markets in front of it are a short distance from Punta Alice.
Punta Alice is a popular tourist resort; in fact, the surrounding area is full of beach resorts and campgrounds.
Nearby is also an important archaeological area: the temple of Apollo Aleo from the ancient Magna Graecia city of Krimisa.
Useful links
BELOW you will find some useful links to plan your visit to the sanctuary of Madonna di Mare in Cirò Marina but also to discover the surroundings rich in beaches, bathing facilities and archaeological areas.
