According to popular tradition, the beginning of the devotion to the Virgin Mary is linked to an ancient statue of Mary and an ancient painting. The statue, made of white marble and probably hidden in the place during times of fights and invasions, was found here by a deaf-mute girl who had the gift of healing. The painting, depicting the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus and Sant’Eufemia, dates back to 1501. The Santuario del Soccorso is of different ages: the central part was completed in 1537. Along the viale delle cappelle, which is about one kilometer from the Sanctuary, 14 baroque temples are lined up. The latter contain scenes representing moments in the life of Jesus and Virgin Mary, recalled in the mysteries of the rosary.