Montevergine Pilgrimage of Paolisi

A two-day journey to Montevergine

The Montevergine Pilgrimage, organized by the Pro Loco Paolisi, is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of this small town in the Caudina Valley, in the province of Benevento. This is not a food festival or a street fair; it is a two-day trek that takes participants from Paolisi to the Sanctuary of Montevergine, in the municipality of Mercogliano, in the province of Avellino. The route crosses the border between Sannio and Irpinia, uniting two neighboring territories of inland Campania.

Devotion to Mamma Schiavona

The sanctuary, perched on the Partenio massif at an altitude of about 1,270 meters, houses the icon of the Madonna of Montevergine, known throughout the South as Mamma Schiavona: "she who can do all and forgives all." Devotion has been documented since the 12th century, shortly after the arrival of Saint William of Vercelli on the mountain, and over the centuries it has given rise to an extraordinary intangible heritage of songs, tammorre (traditional drums), ex-votos, and the "Madonna's gold" offered as tokens of gratitude for graces received.

Walking up to the sanctuary—the so-called juta, or ascent—is a gesture passed down from generation to generation for many Campanian communities. Different towns make the climb at different times: some leave in August, others in September around the feast day on the 12th, and others during the Candlemas in February. The Paolisi group is part of this network of local pilgrimages that converges on the Partenio every year.

Paolisi, the starting point

With just over two thousand inhabitants and an altitude of about 270 meters, Paolisi is located almost in the center of the Caudina Valley, the depression that separates the Taburno mountains from the Partenio range along the ancient Appian Way. It is from here that the group departs before tackling the long climb toward the sacred mountain. The Pro Loco handles logistics, guidance, and registration, just as it does for other town events—including the Eggplant Festival at the end of August.

Who can participate

• The pilgrimage is open to everyone, regardless of age, but requires a reasonable level of fitness for uphill walking.
• Participation is by registration only: this is not a free-entry event where you can simply show up without notice.
• Registrations are collected at the Pro Loco office, located in the Paolisi town hall, or by calling the phone number listed on the event flyer.
• It is recommended to bring hiking shoes, water, layered clothing, and sun protection: the climate at high altitudes can change rapidly, even in summer.

A weather-dependent event

As this is a mountain trek, the event remains subject to weather conditions. In 2025, the Pro Loco postponed the pilgrimage originally scheduled for August to September 13th and 14th due to a weather alert on part of the route: a cautious choice that reflects the nature of this event, where participant safety comes before the calendar.

Why it is worth it

For those visiting Sannio and Irpinia, this pilgrimage is a rare opportunity to experience a still-vibrant popular religiosity, far from the usual tourist circuits. The landscape of the Partenio Regional Park, the woods opening onto the valley, and the arrival in front of the abbey do the rest. And upon returning, there remains the sense of a small community that, every year, sets out on the journey together.