Positano: today the Eve of the Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie
Positano: today the Eve of the Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie. There is now little time left for the celebrations in honor of the Madonna delle Grazie in Montepertuso.
The enthusiasm has pervaded the minds of the faithful who have taken action so that during this event “The legend of Montepertuso” is recalled in all its uniqueness.
A thousand-year-old legend tells that one day the devil proposed a challenge to the Virgin Mary. Whoever managed to pierce the mountain first would have dominion over the people who lived in the village. Our Lady accepted the challenge and left the first move to the devil. The devil raged against the rock but, despite several attempts, only managed to scratch it. Then came the turn of the Virgin, who in an instant, with a finger, pierced the mountain from side to side. The devil, defeated, fell on the rocks where a gigantic footprint of a snake is still visible today. The inhabitants of the place, grateful for the eternal salvation of their souls, dedicated the Church of S. Maria delle Grazie to the Virgin. The parish complex stands isolated just in front of Monte Forato which gives its name to the hamlet of the Campania locality.
📅 Last updated: 17.12.2025
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💬 What is the Feast of Madonna delle Grazie in Positano?
The Feast of Madonna delle Grazie is an annual religious celebration held in the Montepertuso hamlet of Positano. It honors the Virgin Mary, to whom the local church is dedicated, and includes festivities that recall the area’s founding legend.
💬 What is the legend of Montepertuso in Positano?
The legend tells of a challenge between the Virgin Mary and the devil to pierce the mountain first. The devil failed, but the Virgin instantly pierced the rock with her finger, creating the iconic hole. The defeated devil left a snake-like footprint on the rocks below.
💬 Why is there a hole in the mountain at Montepertuso?
The large hole in the mountain at Montepertuso is central to the local legend. It is said to have been created by the Virgin Mary’s finger when she won the challenge against the devil, which is why the area is named Montepertuso (“pierced mountain”).
💬 Where is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Positano?
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in the Montepertuso hamlet, high above Positano. It sits isolated, directly facing the famous pierced mountain (Monte Forato) that gives the hamlet its name.
