Marian devotion
Our Lady of Tindari
«Madonna Nera di Tindari» · Sicily (Italy)
On a cliff of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the surface of ancient Tyndaris, a Black Virgin with an eastern face presides over one of the most beloved Marian shrines in Sicily. It says, "I'm black, but beautiful."
Origin and history
The image of Tindari is a Black Virgin of wood, of orientalizing-Byzantine style, enthroned in the sanctuary of the promontory. Tradition makes it come by sea in ancient times, perhaps brought by oriental monks or saved from persecution against images; the usual explanation for the Black Virgin, although the first story is not documented in detail.
The sanctuary rises on the site of the ancient Grecoromana city of Tyndaris, dominating a cliff on the Tyrrhenian coast. Throughout the Middle Ages and modern times, Madonna di Tindari became a centre of pilgrimage throughout Sicily, with stories of graces and protection. In his image is the verse of the Song: "I am black, but beautiful."
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