The temple is situated in the commune of Montevergine Mercogliano in the Italian region of Campania 35 miles east of Naples. It was built on the site of the temple of the goddess Cybele on Mount Montevergine at an altitude of 1270 meters above sea level - in good weather here you can see the entire Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius and the Campania plain.

The history of the church is closely connected with the history of the young pilgrim Guglielmo da Vercelli, who, overwhelmed by the beauty of the Apennine Mountains, decided to settle on the Montevergine. Later, the appearance of Christ inspired him to build a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary - it was built in the 1124th year and for several centuries rebuilt until acquired its present appearance. Today religious complex consists of the old basilica, the new basilica in neo-Gothic style, built in 1961, the monastery, rooms for guests, the bell tower and the crypt. Inside it is kept a number of values, including Byzantine canopy of the 12th century, the monument to Catherine Filandzheri 15th century and the old altar, not to mention the thousands of gifts brought by the dark-skinned Madonna - Mamma Schiavone. Her image appeared in the temple in the 14th century.

All year round the temple Montevergine attracts crowds of pilgrims, whose number increases many times during the festival Candeloro, combining elements of pagan festivals and Christian worship. The festival takes place in February: the believers climb the hill Montevergine, singing and dancing. The heroes of the festival are the so-called "femminielli" fans Mamma Schiavone, who, according to legend, in the 13th century saved a couple of young homosexuals who were expelled from the city and chained to a rock.