Santuario della Madonna del Boden, Religious shrine in Ornavasso, Italy.
The Santuario della Madonna del Boden is a pilgrimage shrine in the mountains of northern Italy, situated on a plateau surrounded by chestnut forests. The building was constructed for the veneration of Mary and has drawn visitors for centuries who seek solace in its remote setting.
The shrine originated in the 16th century following reports of a miracle said to have involved a shepherdess. This founding event led to the creation of a place of worship that quickly became a destination for the faithful.
The sanctuary holds hundreds of votive offerings left by the faithful to express prayers and gratitude. These personal objects tell stories of people who sought help at this holy place.
The location is accessible by car and sits on a mountainside, so sure footing is helpful when exploring. The best time to visit is between autumn and winter when hiking routes are passable and the weather is clear.
The shrine was originally a much smaller building and was enlarged several times over the centuries to accommodate growing numbers of visitors. These changes reflect how the place gained importance over time.
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