Where ancient devotion rises from time-worn stones, carrying the whispered faith of generations.

A Sanctuary Where History, Identity, and Devotion Intertwine

The Church of the Madonna dei Poveri in Rione Pepe is one of the oldest places of worship in Reggio Calabria. It stands as a quiet guardian of centuries of faith, change, and resilience. Its earliest origins reach back to the 10th century, when a small church dedicated to the Holy Savior served the rural community of the surrounding hills. Over time, this first structure became deeply connected to the identity of the area.

However, the church’s life was far from simple. After the plague of 1576–1577, it remained closed for several years. Later, it was rebuilt between the 16th and 17th centuries. Yet the terrible earthquake of 1783 destroyed its façade and left it abandoned once again. For decades, the building stood silent, exposed to weather and neglect.

Things changed in the mid-19th century, when Paolo Albanese—known locally as Paulu Pipi—purchased the land. Thanks to him, the forgotten church returned to life, and people began calling it “a Krèsiê Pipi.” As devotion evolved, the sanctuary also changed. It eventually received the title Immacolata Madre dei Poveri, because the sacred objects from two nearby chapels were transferred here. One brought the 19th-century statue of the Virgin, while the other contributed the 18th-century painting of the Madonna dei Poveri.

In 1980, the church was restored and consecrated by Archbishop Aurelio Sorrentino. Today, visitors can admire precious Byzantine remains, ancient wall decorations, and delicate niches that emerged during later restoration work. As a result, the church now offers a unique encounter with local history. It creates a living bridge between past and present, blending archaeology, devotion, and cultural memory in a single serene space.