Sanctuary of Our Lady of Marsaglia

Site overview

The hamlet is located on a pleasant plateau dominated by the church with the elegant Baroque lines of its facade, surrounded by small and characteristic stone houses, typical of Alpine villages. The presence of such a large and solemn building in a hamlet that was sparsely inhabited even in past centuries is understandable only if it is identified as a place of worship since time immemorial, at the crossroads of paths that led to the mountain pastures: the hypothesis is supported by the discovery of stone artifacts, rock engravings, and cavities carved into the rock, signs of very ancient rites.

The sanctuary dates back to 1771 (erected by the vow of a shepherdess healed by the Madonna), but a chapel certainly pre-existed whose origins are unfortunately shrouded in mystery: it is probable that it, in turn, was superimposed on a votive pillar, as in most cases relating to the sanctuaries of the Valleys. The elegant Baroque facade is characterized by four pilasters divided into three orders and by a fronton on which a small central bell tower stands; a large oval window and two side niches lighten its central part. The frescoes that enrich the interior date from the early nineteenth century and depict scenes from the Gospels: on the vaults, moreover, the four Evangelists are represented at life size.

The walls are covered with ex-votos, a mirror of a religiosity deeply linked to everyday life: made with the most varied techniques (paintings on metal, canvas, and wooden tablets) or consisting of votive hearts, prints, and oleographs, they represent a remarkable historical and social testimony of the valley. Notable among others are those relating to the war period between the Wars of Independence and the last world conflict. It is curious to note that inside there are no side altars or chapels, but only some confessionals and a pulpit.

In the sanctuary, Our Lady of the Assumption is venerated, whose feast takes place on August 15th (mes oust) and is preceded, on the night of the 14th, by a suggestive torchlight procession. It is also celebrated annually on September 8th, the feast of the Nativity of Mary (scund mes oust).