Case file · Apparition / miracle
The Virgin's footprint at Saharna
Legend says a monk at Saharna on the Dniester in Moldova saw a shining figure of the Virgin on a cliff top and, climbing up, found a footprint in the rock, now venerated by pilgrims.
1776 CE · 47.69, 28.97 · status: legend
The account
The monastery, founded by hermits in a gorge with waterfalls, completed its main church in 1776, which is the date used here; the legend itself is undated. It is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in Moldova.
The sceptical view
Footprint rocks are common pilgrimage objects; this one is a natural hollow given a sacred meaning.