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Le Fanove di Castellana Grotte
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A small residential town with vast areas of cultivated and agricultural land, terraced farmland and hills upon hills but most notably it is a charming location and within easy reach of the grottos (the most spectacular speleological site in all of Italy)
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Full Article
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Fanove di Castellana Grotte
Castellana Grotte
Population: 18,318
Altitude: 290 m
Distance from Monopoli: 12 kms
The historic town centre has been well preserved, rich in noble buildings dating back to the XVII and XVIII century with numerous churches spread throughout the old town. The Chiesa Madre: from the Renaissance and Baroque period; Chiesa di S. Francesco d’Assisi: from the baroque era, adorned by stone statues and carvings dated to the XVIII century. Of note, is the Convento dei Frati Francescani, where the church is dedicated to the Madonna della Vetrana, the guardian of Castellana Grotte, venerated for having saved the populace from the plague in 1691. An incredible antique construction of the Christmas Manger can also be found at the Franciscan Convent.
It is also worth visiting the Chiesa del Caroseno for its most magnificent altar.
La Notte delle Fanove – celebrated on the 11th and 12th of January
One of the most traditional and oldest of festivals in existence going back three centuries, is the Festival of Fanove.
On the night of the 11th January, the Castellanesi renew their prayers in affection and devoutness to the Madonna della Vetrana, in a solemn and respectful manner for the spectacular miracle of 1691 endowed upon the village, which saved the south-east Bari population from a violent epidemic of the plague. The death toll from this period is quite clear: 4,000 deaths in Conversano, 3,000 in Monopoli, hundreds more in the neighbouring villages, and in Castellana only 22.
During this period, according to legend, the Madonna della Vetrana appeared in the dreams of all the Religious Ministers whilst they were praying, advising them to rub holy oil on to those that were ill from the plague and to do so in the vicinity of oil lamps near to her statue. The miracle acted quickly, saving their lives. And because of this the Count of Conversano built the church where today resides the Madonna near to the Convento dei Francescani.
Holy Oil Ritual
This is the most notable of all rituals.
On the 11th of January, the loyal follow the monks accompanied by a musical band, going from frantoio* to frantoio to receive the oil that will serve to keep the oil lamps burning near to the Madanna .
After having given thanks to the miracle of the Madonna, the town of Le Fanove is effectively lit up with a bonfire, a symbolic destruction of the plague and associated sins. The Madonna is carried in procession to the Chiesa di San Leone Magno. After a week has passed by, the statue is returned to the Vetrana where she remains until the end of April; this also marking the end of the festivities.
*frantoio is an oil-mill
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the vicinity of Castellana Grotte try Gianni di Tano's website. http://www.maresolepuglia.it He has two marvellous villas for rent within a stone's throw of the beach!
Many thanks to Gianni for helping me to reproduce the story of the Franciscan Convent.
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