The nearby sanctuary of the Madonna of Ibernia, which gives its name to the tourist complex, was built around 1100 on the site of a former Basilian monastery which, in turn, stood near a pagan temple dedicated to Cybele, the goddess of fertility.
According to tradition, it was the Virgin Mary during an appearance to indicate, with the footprint, the place to build the Church.
To worship the ancient pagan deity it has a strong connection with the Madonna of Ibernia, also known as the eggs, therefore of procreation and abundance. During the spring festivals (the religious festival is celebrated on Easter Monday) a sweet cake is taken to the shrine, the “Chirruchele” (from the Latin Auguracolum, propitiatory gift), which is the same sweet as the children offered to the pagan goddess Cybele to propitiate fertility.
Italiano