Sanctuary of the Madonna degli Angeli at Colle del Colombardo

Site overview

Colle del Colombardo (or Collombardo) is an alpine pass in the Graian Alps located in the Province of Turin, connecting the lower Susa Valley with the Viù Valley, specifically the municipalities of Condove and Lemie. At the top, it offers a magnificent panorama: the Avigliana Lakes, the Sacra di San Michele, and the plain towards Turin are visible. At the top of the Pass is the alpine Sanctuary of the Madonna degli Angeli, on whose façade is a plaque with the following inscription: “Gioanni Battista Giorgis from Forno di Lemie erected it by vow in 1704-5. The tireless generosity of the parishioners of Lajetto expanded and rebuilt it in 1869-70.” Colombardo takes its name from “Colle dei Longobardi” (Pass of the Lombards). The ancient Lombard kingdom, which had its capital in Pavia, extended towards France as far as Avigliana, where the legendary system of fortifications built to defend the border culminated with the Chiuse Valsusine.