Sanctuary of Beata Vergine della Creta, Religious shrine in Castellazzo Bormida, Italy
The Sanctuary of Beata Vergine della Creta stands at the entrance to Castellazzo Bormida with a distinctive rotunda shape topped by two bell towers. The interior features walls covered with hand-painted ex-votos accumulated over centuries of pilgrimage.
A chapel was built in the 1600s following a plague epidemic and later replaced by the present building completed in 1905. This progression reflects how the site grew in importance as a place of pilgrimage.
The sanctuary holds a unique place in motorcycle culture, drawing riders who seek blessing for their journeys. You can see the walls decorated with painted offerings that show gratitude and requests for safe travels.
The sanctuary is easily accessible from the town entrance, making it straightforward to locate and visit. Plan your visit during local festivals or celebration times when the site is most active and welcoming to visitors.
In 1947 a pope officially designated this sanctuary as the protector of motorcycle riders everywhere. This unusual connection between religious tradition and modern transportation makes it distinctive among pilgrimage sites worldwide.
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