The city, and not only, has mobilized for the sanctuary of the Madonna del Pino de Cervia which, in addition to the damage reported during the floods of May 2023, went with the July whirlwind of the same year. Urgent interventions are therefore needed to make it accessible to the public again. A place of interest not only for the faithful but also for lovers of buildings with cultural and historical value. But also, simply, a point of reference where part of the life of many people from Cervia was celebrated with weddings, confirmations and communions. To keep the spotlight on the Madonna del Pino and to save it, the group Fai di Cervia has named the sanctuary as ‘Place of the Heart 2024/25’ creating a support committee, which will be open to all social, economic and associated realities the country. the territory you can join by contacting the Fai di Cervia group, on 338 4544222, which will be tasked with managing and coordinating the campaign to collect votes. So far, over 3,000 have been collected after two weeks. An excellent result: the next goal is to reach 10 miles. The collection ends on April 10 but the number of votes already received shows that the city and many tourists are attached to the sanctuary.
A fundraiser will start soon, after those who reached the goal for the restoration of the Suffragio church and for the restoration of the Duomo door. In short, the contribution of the public and all those who respect that place will also be needed for the Madonna del Pino. Until the tornado of July 13, 2023, the church was open to the public for special events and weddings, given the difficult situation in which it is located, right next to the state road. For that reason, the intervention to build the new road is awaited, which, when it is finished, will allow to make the church easier to use and more accessible and to make it safe. In the meantime, it will be necessary to intervene with the restoration works after the event on 13 July before it can be reopened to the public.
The church of the Madonna del Pino is located about 2 kilometers from Cervia, on the Adriatica state road towards Ravenna. As shown by the numerous paintings of the Virgin, the sanctuary is dedicated to her and, according to legend, was supposed to protect the city from the catastrophic seismic events that had already resulted in disastrous consequences since the 1400s. The sanctuary goes back to 1445, when the Carmelite Girolamo Lambertini, attracted by the solitary and wooded place, built a brick aedicule to house a small image of the Virgin that appeared mysteriously, according to legend, on the trunk of a pine tree . A few years later, the modest church became a real church, which was consecrated in 1498. A wonderful and emotional place, deeply connected to the history of the city of Cervia, a place of much love and popular tradition, the object of great and devotion deep
Ilaria Bedeschi
What is the historical importance of the Madonna del Pino sanctuary in Cervia?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Lucia Venturi, Cultural Heritage Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Venturi. There has been a tremendous mobilization around the Madonna del Pino sanctuary in Cervia after the floods earlier this year. Can you share why this sanctuary holds such significance for the community?
Dr. Lucia Venturi: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The Madonna del Pino sanctuary is not only a spiritual haven for the faithful but also a historic landmark that has played a central role in the social and cultural life of Cervia. For many locals, it’s a site where significant events like weddings, confirmations, and communions have taken place, deeply intertwining personal memories with the fabric of the community.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like it’s much more than just a building. You mentioned the recent flooding; can you elaborate on the damage that the sanctuary sustained?
Dr. Lucia Venturi: Yes, the floods in May led to substantial damage, not just to the structure itself but also to the interior artifacts that hold historical and spiritual value. Following that, in July, there were further effects from strong winds, compounding the issues. It’s critical for the sanctuary to undergo urgent restoration to ensure it remains accessible, both for visitors and for the heartfelt events that it hosts.
Time.news Editor: The Fai di Cervia group has launched an initiative to support the sanctuary by designating it as ‘Place of the Heart 2024/25.’ Why is this initiative essential, and how is the community responding?
Dr. Lucia Venturi: The ‘Place of the Heart’ initiative is a brilliant way to raise awareness and gather support for the sanctuary’s restoration. It mobilizes not only local citizens but also engages tourists who have connections to Cervia. With over 3,000 votes collected in just two weeks, it’s clear that the community cares deeply about this place. The goal of reaching 10,000 votes before April 10 is ambitious but achievable, demonstrating the collective desire to preserve this piece of history.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the initiative has already sparked a lot of enthusiasm. After reaching such impressive numbers in a short time, what’s next for the campaign and the sanctuary’s restoration?
Dr. Lucia Venturi: Once we reach the voting goal, there will be a significant focus on fundraising efforts. The recent successful restorations of the Suffragio church and the Duomo door show that the community is capable of making a difference through fundraising. The upcoming campaign will mobilize a broader coalition, including businesses and local organizations, aiming not only for financial support but also to raise awareness about cultural preservation’s importance.
Time.news Editor: What can those who want to get involved in the restoration efforts do?
Dr. Lucia Venturi: Anyone interested in helping can contact the Fai di Cervia group directly at the provided phone number. They can join the support committee, participate in fundraising events, and help spread the word about the sanctuary’s significance. The more voices and resources we can gather, the stronger our impact will be in preserving the Madonna del Pino for future generations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Venturi, for your insights today. It’s inspiring to see how communities can rally together to protect their cultural heritage. We’ll be keeping an eye on the progress of the campaign!
Dr. Lucia Venturi: Thank you for the opportunity! It’s crucial to keep these conversations going and to highlight the importance of preserving our cultural treasures.