Rimini Madonna della Scala
Madonna della Scala Photos
About Madonna della Scala
This little nondescript church is called Madonna della Scala, meaning ‘Madonna of the Steps’ in English. According to local legend in 1610, a miraculous event occurred in the town of San Giuliano1:
after a particularly bad flood a young sailor was said to have fallen from his horse in the river Marecchia. On the point of drowning he asked for help from an image of the Blessed Virgin that appeared in the wall along the river bank under the steps of a tower where a chain on the door also hung.
His life was subsequently spared and as a result of this miracle local sailors collected alms to build a church in honour of the Madonna.
In 1617 a small temple was constructed on this spot beside ‘Porta Gervasona’ thanks to their generous efforts. Henceforth, the new chapel was named Madonna della Scala and in 1680 Alessandro Codrini painted the now famous fresco above the altar depicting the legend. Local people still believe it has miraculous powers.
In 1925 a young Catholic group in Rimini raised funds to enlarge the size of the chapel.2
Vincenzo Roberto Pasquini was considered to have played an integral role in this parish. He was a ‘tireless, tenacious worker of Christ’3 and said to have founded an organization called La Pia Opera Madonna della Scala which enlarged, embellished and furnished this “House of Sailors”.
In 1960 further restoration work was undertaken and it was during this period of work when the four bells and an organ were supplied. He passed away on the 10th July 1968.
References
1Date is recorded on a marble tablet inside the Church.
2As above.
3As above.
External Links
http://www.riminiturismo.it/CMS2/main.php?elemId=335&classId=33&lang_index=0&seq_index=7