Olivella Church

Coming from the narrow road that descends from Porta Romana to encircle the town, there is the small church located just before the Bisleti sub-portico. Formerly at this place was Porta Piccola, which, until the earthquake of 1350, led to the Basilica of Santa Salome via a steep slope.

Along this path in the 13th century the faithful had the image of Our Lady painted on a rock, which then remained hidden for many centuries under the rubble of the earthquake. In 1722, the ancient effigy came back to light and the people of Verola called it " Madonna dell'Olivello," after the olive tree that had sprung up next to the rock. Then a small octagonal temple was built on the site and retaining walls were raised around the area, which was steep and full of cliffs. Later the building was enlarged through the generosity of Cardinal Bisleti (buried here) and became the present Church of Olivella.