I made a pilgrimage this morning to the church of the “Virgin de la Gracia”. Founded in 1545. She is the patroness of the seamen and fishermen. Over the years seamen and their families have prayed for safety at sea. The church is full of ship models that rescued shipwrecked sailors have brought as offerings. There was big celebration here last weekend in honor of the virgin.
The church is located in the river valley above the village. A gorgeous landscape. I will be talking to the sail maker in Lecce to see if there is any possibility to get together while I am on the run from Italy. Otherwise I plan leave this afternoon and try get to Syracuse on Sicily by tomorrow evening.
-
- the midieval castle
