Santuario di OropaCelebrate the Madonna
Address: Strada per Oropa - Teatro Regio
13051 - Santa Rita
Turin
Nearest Bus or Train:18
Open Hours:Not available
This sanctuary is of uncertain origin. Legend attributes the foundation of the first chapel to S. Eusebio di Vercelli, from the fourth century, around which the imposing architectural complex developed over the course of centuries. S. Eusebio would have put the statue of the Madonna here, the work of San Luca, brought from Palestine. The chapel was built after 1200. In 1459 the canons of Biella occupied the Sanctuary and increased the notoriety of this statue of the Madonna, defending devotion and making this a popular place for pilgrims. A modest basilica was built here after the plague in 1599 according to the wishes of the local population. Places to host the pilgrims wre built here in the first half of the seventeenth century. There are fifteenth century frescoes and the black Madonna with child covered in gold and precious stones in the basilica as well as objects of great value in the treasure room. The hospice consists of a imposing complex of buildings with a marvellous range of porticoes and balatstrades. The new temple emerges majestically from the top of the mountain, with a large dome. Evidence of the existence of hermits leading a monastic eusebian lifestyle has been discovered near Oropa.
Open: 8a-8p Services: Weekends: 9a, 10a, noon
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