Santuario di Oropa
Piemonte
The Sanctuary of Oropa is a vast Roman Catholic complex located in the Alpine valley near Biella, Italy, at an elevation of 1,159 meters. It is famed for housing the Black Madonna of Oropa, a revered dark wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and Child dating back to the late 13th century, attributed to a sculptor from Valle d'Aosta. According to legend, the statue was brought from the Middle East by Saint Eusebius of Vercelli in the 4th century and miraculously remained in the mountains after attempts to move it failed, signaling the Virgin's wish for a sanctuary. Architecturally, the complex includes the Ancient Basilica, built in the early 17th century, the Royal Gate designed by Filippo Juvarra, and the monumental Upper Basilica constructed between 1885 and 1960, capable of holding 3,000 people with an 80-meter-high dome. The sanctuary is also part of the Sacro Monte di Oropa, a devotional path with chapels depicting the Virgin Mary's life, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a history of royal patronage from the House of Savoy and a tradition of ex-voto offerings dating back to the 16th century, the sanctuary remains a major pilgrimage site hosting around 800,000 visitors annually. It blends religious devotion, art, history, and Alpine natural beauty, making it unique among Marian shrines worldwide.
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Astuce: The best time to visit is during late spring through early autumn when the weather is favorable for exploring the extensive complex and the Sacro Monte devotional path. Pilgrims and visitors are advised to book guided tours in advance via the official website to fully appreciate the sanctuary's history and art. Special religious events, including the centennial coronation of the Black Madonna, attract large crowds, so early ticket reservations are recommended. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and pilgrims. The sanctuary is accessible by road, and nearby accommodations are offered for overnight stays.
Faits intéressants
- •The Black Madonna statue is made of cedar of Lebanon wood, painted black, and decorated with gold and gemstones.
- •Despite its age, the wooden statue reportedly shows no signs of woodworm and the foot remains unworn despite centuries of pilgrims touching it for luck.
- •The sanctuary hosts around 800,000 pilgrims annually and over one hundred pilgrimages.
- •The Royal Gate was designed by renowned architect Filippo Juvarra in the 18th century.
- •The ex-voto gallery contains devotional paintings dating back to 1522, including works by Bernardino Lanino.
Histoire
Tradition holds that the sanctuary was founded in the 4th century by Saint Eusebius of Vercelli who brought the Black Madonna statue from the Middle East.
The original church grew around the statue during the Middle Ages and was replaced by the Ancient Basilica in the early 1600s.
Over the following centuries, the sanctuary expanded with additions such as the Royal Gate by Filippo Juvarra and the Upper Basilica built from 1885 to 1960 to accommodate increasing pilgrim numbers.
The Sacro Monte di Oropa devotional path was established in 1617 near the sanctuary, further enhancing its spiritual and architectural significance.
The site has been under the patronage of the House of Savoy and was elevated to a minor basilica in 1957.
It is part of the UNESCO-listed Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.
Guide du lieu
Ancient Basilicaearly 1600s
The original church built in the early 17th century around the Black Madonna statue. It features Baroque architectural elements and houses the revered statue itself.
Upper Basilica1885–1960
A monumental church constructed between 1885 and 1960 to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. It can hold 3,000 people and has an 80-meter-high dome, making it a remarkable architectural landmark.
Royal Gate (Porta Regia)18th century
An exquisite baroque gateway designed by Filippo Juvarra in the 18th century, marking the entrance to the sanctuary complex.
Sacro Monte di Oropa1617
A devotional path established in 1617 near the sanctuary, consisting of twelve chapels with statues depicting scenes from the Virgin Mary's life, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.
Ex-voto Galleryfrom 1522 onwards
A collection of devotional paintings and offerings made by pilgrims in gratitude for miracles attributed to the Black Madonna, with the oldest painting dating back to 1522 by Bernardino Lanino.
Contact
Téléphone: 015 2555 1200
