Santuario della Beata Vergine del Soccorso, Shrine and church in Tremezzina, Italy
The Santuario della Beata Vergine del Soccorso is a hilltop church and shrine in Tremezzina, on the western shore of Lake Como, sitting at around 420 meters above sea level. It forms part of the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes 14 small chapels arranged along a path leading up to the main building.
Construction of the church began in 1537, following reports of a miracle associated with a statue of the Virgin Mary found on the hillside. Over the 17th century, the interior was enriched with frescoes and stucco work, the 14 chapels of the Sacro Monte were built along the path, and the church was formally consecrated in 1699.
The feast day of the Madonna on September 8 brings the surrounding communities together for processions and prayers, and it is the most attended event of the year. Inside the church, small votive offerings left by worshippers over the centuries cover parts of the walls, each one a personal act of thanks.
The church is reached on foot from Ossuccio by walking up a clearly marked stone path, and sturdy footwear is a good idea. The 14 chapels along the way are also open to visit, so allow extra time if you want to stop at each one.
The wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child above the main altar dates to the 14th century and is attributed to artists from Campione d'Italia. The Sacro Monte di Ossuccio is listed as part of a group of nine sacred mountains across northern Italy and Switzerland, all recognized together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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