Nostra Signora degli Angeli, Religious shrine in Arcola, Italy.
Nostra Signora degli Angeli is a sanctuary perched on a hillside overlooking the junction where the Vara and Magra rivers meet, distinguished by three naves separated by Ionic columns. The interior spans multiple levels vertically, with underground areas housing historical chapels and devotional spaces.
Five sisters reported witnessing the Virgin Mary on May 21, 1556, which prompted the construction of the initial chapel by 1558. The shrine later developed into a significant pilgrimage destination in the Liguria region.
The church houses a marble statue of the Virgin of Angels carved by sculptor Battista Orsolini in 1624, positioned within an ornate niche that draws the devotion of pilgrims. This representation serves as the focal point for those visiting to honor the reported apparition.
Access is via Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, and visitors should note that the church operates under the Roman Catholic Diocese of La Spezia-Sarzana-Brugnato. Regular religious services and pilgrimage events throughout the year offer opportunities to experience the site in its communal role.
Beneath the main altar lies the Chapel of Apparition, marking the exact spot where the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared above a rosemary bush. This underground space commemorates the vision that occurred during the Pentecost season and remains accessible to visitors exploring the depths of the sanctuary.
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