You can’t walk five blocks in Rome without seeing a madonnelle, or small madonna, staring out at you. Really. There are over 700 of them on street corners in the historic center. The original concept dates back to pagan times when votive wall shrines were set up to honor the Lares, spirits believed to protect passers-by. In 4 A.D., when Christianity emerged, the shrines were recycled – uh, usefully re-dedicated – to the Virgin Mary. Most of the ones we see today were added in the 16th and 17th centuries. At that time, they were doubly helpful as their candles provided the sole street illumination.
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