| The church dedicated to Santa Maria del Casale (in private ownership) is on the rise known as the “Serra delle Fontane” a small ridge which overlooks the seaside town of Torre San Giovanni. Inside the church there are late medieval frescoes and a painting, behind the altar, of Our Lady of Montserrat. It is said that the church was built, together with the other two buildings, to give thanks for the salvation of a sailor who was caught up in a violent storm, after invoking Maria Star of the Sea. A small convent adjoins the building. The whole complex was brought back to life in the mid-eighties when, for the arrival of the Renewed Minor Monks, it was renovated and made fit for habitation. In October 2006 the monks were called away to a different seat and left the convent. Despite their departure the Casale is still open for worship, thanks to the presence of the hermit Brother Rufino. |