Portovenere is one of the most picturesque villages in Liguria, declared a UNESCO heritage since 1997 along with the most famous Cinque Terre.

Every year, on the 17th of August, is celebrated the feast of the White Madonna, the story of a miracle that happened at the end of 1300.

A man named Luciardo, while praying in front of an icon of the Madonna, noticed that the old and almost completely faded Marian image of the same Madonna in the room was taking color.

But not only the image became sharper, he saw that his hands were joining in prayer and that a small cartouche appeared in the hands of the Child Jesus.

The news was immediately spread throughout the country and the “transformation” lasted several hours so much that even a notary came to testify to the truth of the fact, with an act signed by about sixty people.

This painting was found inside a large trunk of cedar from Lebanon which, according to tradition, came from the sea in 1200 with precious objects and sacred relics.

The miracle of Portovenere is very felt for the country so much that the White Madonna is attributed to the rescue of the village from a serious fire, a siege, from the looming plague epidemic of 1399, and numerous rescues at sea.

The painting is kept in the Church of San Lorenzo together with the cedar trunk in which it was found.

Every year, on the 17th of August, in the village is a succession of religious ceremonies at the Church until the evening when the town is invaded by small lights and a procession accompanies the relic to the Church of San Pietro illuminated by small Roman torches, in a truly magical and engaging light show.

The best way to experience this event is undoubtedly take part from the inside enjoying the felt atmosphere that you breathe in the village, but let yourself be convinced to organize a night return by boat, Seeing the glitter of lights from the sea is an image that can not be forgotten.