Santuario della Beata Vergine del Marzale

The Sanctuary of Beata Vergine del Marzale stands on an elevated position along the Serio river, accessed by a narrow winding road through poplar groves. The church sits on the high riverbank and requires descending about 12 meters of stairs from the cliff edge to reach it.

The sanctuary is connected to documented peace agreements from 1202 between the cities of Crema and Cremona during medieval conflicts. The Chapel of the Dead of Marzale was built in 1403 and contains religious frescoes honoring soldiers who fell in battle at this location.

The central baroque altar holds a 15th-century painting showing Madonna with Child, reflecting regional religious art traditions of that era. This artwork shows how local artists interpreted sacred imagery and what devotional images mattered most to worshippers.

Access is via a narrow road through poplar groves that can become slippery in wet weather. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes since descending the steep stairs to the riverbank is physically demanding.

The Chapel of the Dead of Marzale was built at a site where soldiers died during a medieval battle. Visitors often overlook that this chapel is dedicated to remembering the fallen and its frescoes serve as quiet witnesses to that past.