Madonna della Ceriola, Catholic shrine at the summit of Monte Isola, Italy
Madonna della Ceriola is a shrine located at the summit of Monte Isola at approximately 600 meters elevation. The sanctuary houses a wooden statue of Mary and commands views across Lake Iseo and the surrounding mountain landscape.
The first church structure was built here in the 13th century, though the current building dates from the 16th century. A bell tower was added in the 18th century and has defined the sanctuary's appearance since then.
The wooden statue of Mary inside draws pilgrims who light candles and leave offerings as personal acts of devotion. This practice shows how the sanctuary remains a living place of prayer and spiritual connection for visitors.
The path to the sanctuary starts from one of the villages on Monte Isola and climbs upward on cobbled routes. Proper footwear and time for the ascent are important since the trail is steep and winding throughout.
Fifteen small chapels line the final section of the climb, each depicting scenes from Rosary mysteries. This scattered series of small buildings turns the footpath into a personal walk of reflection.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
