What to see in Collevalenza, an itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including the Castle and the Sanctuary of Merciful Love.
Tourist information
Medieval village of Umbria located on a hill a few kilometers from Todi, Collevalenza is famous for the presence of the Sanctuary of Merciful Love, where Mother Speranza is buried.
About the origins, it seems that on the hill, where the castle was later built, there was a temple dedicated to Gíunone Valentia, the factor from which the name Collevalenza derived.
The Castle, dating back to the first half of the thirteenth century, was long disputed between the opposing Guelph and Ghibelline factions of Todi.
In 1311 it was demolished by the Ghibellines, in 1409 Sforza Attandolo married Antonia Salimbeni, widow of Francesco da Casale, Lord of Cortona and Chiusi.
The castle walls were rebuilt in 1474.
Collevalenza's recent history is linked to Mother Hope of Jesus Alhama, born on September 30, 1893 in Santomera in Spain and died in Collevalenza on February 8, 1983, founder of the Handmaids and Sons of Merciful Love.
In August 1951 Mother Speranza and some nuns, together with a group of boys called "apostolini", settled in this country.
During this stay, Mother Speranza felt the call to build a center of spirituality aimed at spreading Merciful Love.
What see
In the "Roccolo" locality, the Sanctuary of Merciful Love was built, designed by the Madrid architect Giulio Lafuente, one of the most significant examples of modern sacred architecture.
In addition to the large church and the chapel of Merciful Love, the center has accommodation facilities located on the slopes of the hill.
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In addition there are the swimming pools for the sick, the well, dug by the will of Mother Hope who indicated the precise place, and the source.
The chapel was elected to the sanctuary in 1959 by the bishop of Todi, Alfonso Maria De Sanctis.
In 1981 John Paul II visited the Sanctuary.
