Santuario della Madonna dell'Aiuto, building in Bobbio, Italy
The Santuario della Madonna dell'Aiuto is a minor basilica built in the 1600s in Romanesque style, standing just outside Bobbio's main area. The structure holds a single nave with small side chapels and encloses a much older 15th-century shrine containing a venerated image of the Virgin Mary that many believe has miraculous power.
The sanctuary originated from a painting of the Virgin Mary that vineyard owner Adriano Repetino created in the 14th century, placed in a niche on his property. Construction of the larger church began in the 1600s to protect the venerated image and took over 200 years, with different building phases visible in its mixed architectural style.
The sanctuary's name refers to Madonna's protective power, a belief that has shaped its role in the community. Locals have visited for generations, especially during significant occasions, making it a place where personal devotion and tradition remain visibly alive.
The sanctuary sits along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and is easily reached on foot, with its main entrance directly facing this street. Entry is free and the church is open throughout the day from morning until evening, allowing visitors to come and go at any time.
Visitors once observed the face of the Virgin in the original painting seemingly change during summer, which many interpreted as a sign of miraculous power. This observation and subsequent healings attributed to the shrine led to the construction of the larger sanctuary, making it a pilgrimage destination for believers in miraculous events.
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