Silence, beauty, spirituality and contemplation
The church is a pilgrimage destination. In the silence and beauty of this landscape, visitors can experience spirituality and quiet reflection.
The church of San Frediano leans against the walls of the ancient castle it was originally built inside. The thickness of these walls is still visible in the jagged surface to the right of the facade, which also clearly shows the signs of renovation work. If you observe closely, from halfway up to the roof, you can see how the texture of the wall changes. Even though the same alberese stone was used, it has been laid more densely and in smaller blocks.
This small building has one nave and no apse. Before the presbytery, there is a large arch supported by two heavy columns, which lean slightly toward the building’s external walls. They are surmounted by capitals engraved with anthropomorphic and botanical motifs. Both may possibly come from the ancient church of Pisignano, which was mentioned between the 11th and 12th Centuries, but in 1400 it must have already lost its plebeian functions in favour of the church of the castle.
Opening time and Religious Services
Since 1990, the church has permanently hosted the religious community of the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, devoted to worshipping the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima. Since 2011, Montignoso has been recognised as a diocesan sanctuary.
From May to October, on the 12th and 13th day of each month, evening liturgies are held in memory of the appearance of the Virgin of Fatima.
The sanctuary is open year round:
• from Monday to Friday and on days before holidays at 17.00
• on Sundays at 15.30.
Mass is held at
• 5.30 PM on weekdays and days before holidays
• 4.00 PM and 5.30 PM on Sundays (from October 1st to May 1st). In the summer, between May and October, Mass is always celebrated at 6.00 PM.
