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Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Graces of the Castle: A Treasure of Faith and History in Rivergaro

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Piacenza, in Rivergaro, stands the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Graces of the Castle, a place steeped in history, art, and deep popular devotion. This sanctuary, elevated to such dignity in 1902, houses a revered statue of the Madonna and a precious collection of ex-votos, tangible evidence of the faith and gratitude of the faithful.

History and Origins of the Sanctuary

The roots of the sanctuary date back to the period between 1000 and 1250, when devotion to the Virgin spread near the Castle of San Giacomo. This fortress, like other nearby locations, bore the name in reference to the passage of the Via Francigena, an important medieval pilgrimage route. The castle offered refuge to the valley dwellers during frequent conflicts and sieges, and the chapel dedicated to the Virgin represented a place of comfort and hope, where divine protection was invoked.

The statue of the Madonna, dating back to the 10th-11th century, quickly became an object of great veneration. When the Castle of San Giacomo was demolished, the oratory was preserved, restored, and modified several times, a sign that devotion had not diminished but had instead spread to neighboring towns.

Architecture and Sacred Art

The current church is the result of numerous architectural interventions over the centuries, giving it an eclectic appearance. The facade, with simple neoclassical forms, features a luminous lunette window. On the left side stands the elegant bell tower. Originally, the church had a different orientation, transverse to the current one.

The interior, with a single nave, is divided into bays. From one of the side bays, access is granted to the room housing the rich collection of ex-votos, a true treasure trove of testimonies of faith and gratitude.

The Statue of the Madonna: An Icon of Devotion

The central element of the sanctuary is undoubtedly the revered statue of the Madonna, an ancient sculpture dating back to the 10th or 11th century. Originally, the statue, made of rough wood, was an example of rustic sculpture. However, starting from the 17th century, it underwent numerous touch-ups and restorations, not always appropriate, which gradually altered its appearance to the current one, dating back to the first half of the 19th century.

The statue depicts the standing Madonna holding the Child with her left hand, who holds a globe topped by a Cross. The two figures, adorned with crowns and a scepter in the Virgin’s right hand, express a regal attitude, emphasizing Mary’s role as Queen of Heaven. The two figures, which over the centuries have been repeatedly touched up and variously decorated, convey a regal demeanor, also highlighted by the two crowns and the scepter held by the Blessed Virgin in her right hand.

The Ex-Votos: Testimonies of Faith and Miracles

The collection of ex-votos in the sanctuary constitutes a heritage of inestimable historical and cultural value. Ex-votos are objects offered to the Madonna as a sign of gratitude for a grace received or a miracle obtained. The collection includes silver hearts, embroidered pictures, photographs, and, in the past, also painted tablets (of which unfortunately only two have survived, but are not on public display).

Each ex-voto tells a story of faith, hope, and healing, offering a glimpse into the life and sufferings of the local community over the centuries.

Saints and Key Figures

In addition to the Blessed Virgin, the sanctuary also implicitly celebrates the figure of Saint James, linked to the original castle. Delving into the history of Saint James and his connection to the Via Francigena could enrich the visit to the sanctuary, offering food for thought on the role of saints as spiritual guides and protectors of pilgrims.

Research and Adventure Ideas

The visit to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Graces of the Castle can be enriched by an exploration of the surrounding area. Here are some suggestions:

• Explore traces of the Via Francigena: Rivergaro is strategically located along the ancient pilgrimage route. Starting from the sanctuary, it is possible to follow some stretches of the Via Francigena, immersing oneself in nature and history.
• Visit the Castle of San Giacomo: Although the original castle no longer exists, it is possible to visit the area where it stood, imagining the life and dynamics of the medieval village.
• Discover local traditions: Participate in the town’s festivals and fairs to get a closer look at popular traditions and local culture.

Another adventure could involve tracking down the two ex-voto tablets not on public display, perhaps by asking the parish or local residents for information. Their story and the reason they are not exhibited might reveal interesting aspects of the sanctuary’s history.

Useful Information

To best organize your visit to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Graces of the Castle, we recommend checking the mass times and any scheduled events. Contact the local parish for more information.

29029 Rivergaro PC, Italy