Sanctuary of Santa Cristina

Site overview

The Sanctuary of Santa Cristina stands out imposing in the Alpine panorama surrounding the town of Cantoira, located at 1350 m a.s.l. on the apex of the slope that separates the Val Grande from the Valle d’Ala. A testimony to the centuries-old popular devotion to the martyr of Bolsena – tradition traces its foundation following the appearance of the saint to a shepherd – the complex is divided into several buildings: the church, located at the top, is surrounded by service structures, the latest dating back to the second half of the nineteenth century, intended to welcome pilgrims. There is no documentary trace of the sanctuary’s existence before 1440, but parts that characterize the church, in particular the apsidal basin, date back to more ancient times. At the entrance to the chapel, one can admire a wooden door with panels, carved with scenes of the martyrdom of Santa Cristina, while inside is kept a precious fresco, dated 1514, depicting Santa Cristina together with the Virgin and Child, part of a votive pillar, later incorporated into the building. The walls are instead covered with painted ex-voto small paintings, dating back to different eras. Imposing are the masonry structures, entirely made of stone, which surround the sanctuary on every side, from which it is possible to admire a splendid panorama.