Sanctuary of the Bassa

Site overview

The sanctuary of Rubiana and the cult of the Madonna della Bassa associated with it date back to the modern era: the church was built on the site where a votive pillar once stood, erected in 1714 by Lorenzo Nicol di Mompellato to commemorate his healing through the intervention of the Madonna. In 1721, a chapel was erected in place of the original pillar, which, in view of the constant increase in faithful, was expanded until it reached its current dimensions.

The final expansions, including the elevation of the guesthouse, were completed in 1845. The Sanctuary today consists of a guesthouse for welcoming pilgrims and a proper church made up of three naves, one of which—a curious fact—is located within the municipal territory of Val della Torre. The central nave features a gabled roof covered with “lose” (stone tiles), which are raised compared to those of the lateral apses.

The façade, facing south, consists of a portico supported by three arches that delimit the central nave and two other wider ones that delimit the lateral ones. Under the arches of the central nave, above the main entrance, is painted the image of the Madonna and Child.

The altar is made of white marble with two brown marble inserts on the sides of the tabernacle, topped by a niche containing the statue of the Blessed Virgin.

The main feast of the Sanctuary is held on the Sunday following August 15, while the one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin is on the third Sunday of September.