Opening hours
Monday - Saturday
7.15 - 12.00 || 17.00 - 20.00
The origin of the devotion to the Blessed Virgin of the Elm, dates back to the XI Century, according to a legend, handed down to us by the local historian Agnello Polverino.
According to his account, on a dark night, the shepherds of Mitigliano and San Adiutore, two villages of the city, noticed an extraordinary glow in the valley, similar to many bright lights. The vision, which repeated over several nights, was believed to be miraculous and was reported to the Abbot of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Peter.
He sent witnesses, who confirmed the phenomenon. Determined to discover the truth, the Abbot went solemnly to the site and saw a steady light illuminating the image of the Madonna among the branches of an elm tree. The Virgin, dark-skinned with a blue mantle and the Baby Jesus in her arms, appeared surrounded by bright flames, as well as the tree’s branches.
Everyone present, filled with devotion, worshipped the image as a divine sign. So it was that on the 21st of May, 1672, the city of Cava de' Tirreni, by means of its Directors, stated that the Blessed Virgin of the Elm ("Madonna dell'Olmo") was the City's Patron Saint, whose feast day falls on September 8th.
The Blessed Virgin of the Elm is specifically associated with the Pontifical Basilica of Santa Maria Incoronata dell'Olmo. The Basilica, dating back to 1482, consists of a central nave with small side chapels, and is characterized by a painted ceiling depicting episodes from the life of St. Francis of Paola. Dating to 1683, the ceiling is a magnificent work made by the painter Michele Ragolia, from Palermo
The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located next to the Basilica, housed the image of the Madonna dell'Olmo until 1924. This chapel can be considered a true art gem, featuring a marble altar and vibrant multicolored details.
Adjacent to the Cathedral, we find the Convent of the Minims, with a cloister of the XVI century – concerts – and the House of the Fathers of the Oratory, which houses the Library and youth activities, and parochial.
The construction of the altar was entrusted to the sculptor Francesco Jerace from Polistena, in the province of Reggio Calabria. Jerace designed a majestic bronze elm, placing it above the altar and ciborium in the sanctuary. At the center of the branches, he positioned the image of the Madonna, which is the focal point of the work. At the foot of the tree, he placed bronze statues of four saints: St. Adiutore, the first bishop of Cava; St. Alferio, the founder of the Benedictine Abbey; St. Francis of Paola, the founder of the Order of Minims; and St. Philip Neri, the founder of the Congregation of the Oratory. The distinctive throne design was well received, and in 1924, the image of the Virgin of the Elm found its final position.
Monday - Saturday
7.15 - 12.00 || 17.00 - 20.00
Trincerone Coperto: 5 min walk
Via Schreiber: 5 min walk
Via Trara Genoino: 2 min walk
Line: 4 - 9
Accessible to people with disabilities
