Chiesetta di Piedigrotta
Rock church carved into the tuff above the sea at Pizzo, enlarged at the end of the 19th century with dozens of statues sculpted directly into the rock.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Tradition has it that in the 17th century some Neapolitan sailors, caught by a storm off Pizzo, promised the Madonna di Piedigrotta that they would build her a chapel if they were saved. The boat sank, but the crew reached the shore carrying the painting of the Virgin, and a small chapel was hollowed out of the sandstone at the foot of the grotto.
Between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century the local artist Angelo Barone and his son Alfonso enlarged the space and enriched it with statues of saints, angels and scenes from the life of Christ, carved directly into the tuff. The result is a complex that recalls a monumental nativity scene, and which is today protected for its historical, artistic, landscape and environmental value.
Since 2024 the church has been run directly by the Comune di Pizzo and forms part of the Musei Civici di Pizzo, together with the Castello Aragonese. A major conservation restoration is planned, funded by the Calabria Region with €1.85 million.
Highlights
- Underground church carved into the tuff right by the sea
- Statues of saints and sacred scenes carved into the rock by Angelo and Alfonso Barone
- Painting of the Madonna di Piedigrotta, protector of sailors
- Piedigrotta beach in front of the grotto
Permanent exhibition
- Chiesa rupestre con sculture nel tufo – Underground space with dozens of statues carved into the rock by Angelo and Alfonso Barone, and the painting of the Madonna di Piedigrotta.
- Founded
- 1675
- Operated by
- Comune di Pizzo – Musei Civici di Pizzo
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|
Price given by tourist sources (€3 per person), to be verified. There is a discounted combined ticket for the church and the Castello Aragonese, with reductions for groups, families, school groups and over 65s.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
It is reached by a flight of steps down from the car park on the main road; the route is not suitable for pushchairs or for people with mobility difficulties.
Kids & families
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The descent is by stairs: with very young children a baby carrier is advisable instead of a pushchair.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking on the main road of the locality Madonella di Pizzo, from which the steps to the church begin.
The church is a short distance from the historic centre of Pizzo, along the Costa degli Dei.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guides on site explain the history of the church and of the individual sculptures. |
