Position: Santa Maria della Neve
Situated suggestively on the top of the hill known in ancient times as Monte Arso, the Church of the Madonna della Neve offers an extraordinary setting. According to the historian Gennaro Maldacea, the name of the hill originates from a crater of a volcano which, in remote times, is supposed to have existed in that area. The panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples, which can be admired from the square in front of the church, is breathtaking.
Originally conceived as a modest chapel, this structure was entrusted to the care of a hermit who guarded the cult of Santa Maria della Neve and lived there until 1763.
The history of this sacred place unfolds until the first half of the sixteenth century. Instead, the ornate floor that we now admire is the result of an intervention that took place in 1763. In 1836, the church underwent a significant period of restoration and expansion, during which two side chapels were added, thus creating a sort of cruise. Furthermore, the bell tower was erected and some rooms were added to the small vestibule, while the interiors were embellished with fine white stuccoes.
The fresco depicting the Madonna Bronzina among the SS. Francis of Assisi and Francis of Paola, initially visible through a space in a front wall, was discovered in 1904 during the demolition of that structure. This discovery revealed the entire mural work, including the saints Francis of Assisi and Francis of Paola. Subsequently, a marble altar was erected to support this fresco. The devotion to the Madonna is deeply rooted. This church continues to attract numerous devotees, especially during the festival dedicated to her.
The cemetery is located a short distance from the small church of Madonna della Neve. It serves as a burial place for the community of Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi and other surrounding towns.
