SI U29

This stage, of medium length and elevation gain, takes you into the Pollino National Park. You ascend to reach two peaks that rise beyond 1100 meters in altitude, before a long descent to the sanctuary, located where a resident of nearby Altomonte took refuge in the mid-15th century to escape the law. During his time in hiding, Nicola Mairo carved an image of the Madonna into the tuff, which was discovered only one hundred and fifty years later by a mute shepherd, who regained his speech upon seeing the relief. A Sanctuary was erected at that spot, which Pope John Paul II later elevated to minor basilica.