Madone dal Clap

A Sanctuary Born from the Rock

In Carnic Friulian, Madone dal Clap means "Madonna in the rock": the name tells the origin of the sanctuary, built around a rock on which an image of the Virgin and Child was engraved, found along the Malmedili stream by a local resident. The sanctuary, above Salino — a hamlet of Paularo in the heart of Carnia — is cared for by the parish of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria.

An Ancient Devotion

Tradition links a story of grace to the sanctuary: in 1855, Daniele Lenassi of Salino was said to have been healed from a tumor by entrusting himself to the Madonna del Sasso. Since then, the place has been a destination for pilgrimages from numerous locations in Carnia, especially on May 24th, the day the community gathers for Mass in the mountain greenery.

The Festival Around the Church

Over the years, alongside the pilgrimage, a simple and authentic popular festival has grown, an occasion for conviviality and fundraising for the church. After Holy Mass, volunteers serve pilgrims dishes from Carnia cuisine: goulash, polenta, sausage sandwiches, French fries, cjarsòns (the typical sweet and savory ravioli of Carnia), crofins, and traditional desserts.

Faith, Nature, and Community

The Madone dal Clap is one of those festivals that don't seek the spotlight but preserve the soul of the Friulian mountains: a day of walking, prayer, and shared meals, immersed in the woods of the Val d'Incarojo. For those visiting Carnia at the end of May, it's an opportunity to experience a genuine tradition, far from large crowds but rich in meaning.