Madonna di Ciavanis, Catholic shrine in Chialamberto, Italy
Madonna di Ciavanis is a shrine located at 1,880 meters (6,170 feet) in the Paglia valley, accessed by more than 300 stone steps built into the mountainside. The building itself is modest in scale, designed to serve the spiritual needs of mountain communities.
The sanctuary was built in 1755 and dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel as an important religious addition to the Turin archdiocese. Its construction at such an elevation reflects the determination of mountain communities to establish a spiritual center accessible to local residents.
The shrine is a place of devotion to Mary woven into the mountain landscape and maintained by local faith communities. The sanctuary reflects how people in the valley have connected spirituality with their high-altitude home.
The sanctuary is reached by foot from Vonzo village along a marked trail taking about 90 minutes with 650 meters (2,130 feet) of elevation gain. Sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness are essential due to the steep and sometimes challenging terrain throughout the walk.
The shrine serves as a natural starting point for hikers heading to nearby alpine destinations like Uja di Bellavarda, Punta Pian Spigo, and Lake Boiret. Many visitors use it as a base to explore the broader mountain landscape beyond the sanctuary itself.
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