TripZilla
If you feel guilty of being too sinful, you may seek spiritual enlightenment in this remote corner of Genga, Italy. You don’t have to worry about being judged because this hidden Tempio del Valadier (Temple of Valadier) is always open to those who wish to repent.
During the 10th century, locals used this hidden place to take refuge from the Hungarian tribes who invaded the area. In 1828, Pope Leone XII commissioned the octagonal church inside this ancient limestone grotto. The statue of the Madonna and Child, made by the famous Italian sculptor Antonio Canova, was once contained in the temple but it was later transferred to the Museum of Sacred Art in Genga. Today, the Temple of Valadier is believed to symbolize the Blessed Virgin Mary’s title “refugium peccatorum”, meaning “refuge of sinners”.
If you’re too concerned about not being a Catholic, worry not, no one is restricted from marvelling at this remarkable piece of neoclassical architecture.
Never miss this sacred temple when you visit Italy.
Image credits: Luca Argalia
