Santuario della Madonna del Frassino

The Santuario della Madonna del Frassino is a sanctuary in the Oneta area, situated at about 954 meters elevation on Mount Alben's slopes with a three-nave church and bell tower. The building features a main nave with side aisles, while views extend across the Riso Valley from the church grounds.

Construction of the sanctuary began in 1502 following an apparition of the Virgin Mary reported by a blind girl named Pierina Carobbio. The bell tower was added around 1628, showing that building work extended across more than a century.

The name comes from an ash tree that once grew at this location and held special meaning in local devotion to the Virgin Mary. Visitors can sense the piety that shapes the space, visible in the religious objects and the way people use this sanctuary as a place of prayer.

The sanctuary is equipped with outdoor areas including picnic spots and a covered space for gatherings. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the walk to reach the sanctuary involves a climb and paths in the higher areas may be uneven or unpaved.

Inside the church is a multi-panel altarpiece by Girolamo da Santacroce from the 16th century depicting religious scenes with careful detail. The work shows the artistic quality that distinguishes the altar and offers insight into religious art from that period.