Altar desecrated and red liquid spread across floor in Monte Giove Hermitage

Country: Italy

Date of incident: March 8, 2026


A sacrilegious act targeted the main altar of the Monte Giove hermitage, resulting in the theft of the relics of Saint Valerio. The altar was forcibly opened, and a red substance was spread across the floor. The attack represents a serious violation of Christian sacred space and devotion.

The main altar of the 18th-century Monte Giove hermitage, home to the Camaldolese monks, was desecrated, and the relics of Saint Valerio were stolen. The relics, consisting of bone fragments and preserved in a wooden casket within a marble sarcophagus, were forcibly removed, indicating a deliberate and premeditated act. The church floor was stained with a red liquid, possibly blood, underscoring the severity of the sacrilegious attack.

Authorities, including the Carabinieri, have opened a criminal investigation into the incident. Due to the extensive damage, the monks were forced to close the hermitage for the day, suspending all scheduled religious activities. 

Source: Corriereadriatico

Photo: Campingdelgabbiano