Before the construction of the oratory, dedicated to the Virgin, a small rural chapel already stood in the same location.
In October 1712, with the laying of the first stone, the construction of an oratory began, replacing the ancient rural chapel. By 1717, the church was structured in its essential parts, and on September 12, 1728, the oratory was opened for worship. Shortly after, it was equipped with a portico in front of the façade, supported by four square pillars. Along the left side, close to the bell tower, there are rooms used as a sacristy, connected to the presbytery area. Internally, the church presents a single nave, divided into three bays with shallow recesses along the perimeter walls. Description: The fresco, dating back to the first half of the 19th century, depicts the Virgin with the Child, featuring a ship in the background, a detail linked to the founding legend. In use: between 1804 and 1840 Epiphany: The object of worship is a fresco depicting the Virgin, which tradition says was transported by a ship along the waters of the Marca canal. Image: Painting Location: River
Original location of the Sanctuary: Along the walls of the sanctuary and on the counter-façade. Notes on the collection: Numerous pastoral visits confirm the existence of ex-votos, consisting of votive paintings and images of the Virgin on paper, now lost. Currently, two wooden tablets with silver hearts placed on the counter-façade have been preserved. Type of ex-votos: Tablets or plaques with inscriptions, Various objects Current preservation: Of the original collections of ex-votos, only two wooden tablets with silver hearts placed on the counter-façade remain.

Following the discovery of a miraculous image of the Madonna along the Marca canal, a small chapel was built, transformed into an oratory in 1712.
According to the orally transmitted legend, a ship miraculously arrived along the Marca canal carrying the image of the Virgin Mary. The painting was initially contested between the inhabitants of the two localities Barzaniga and Grontorto. It was transported for three days to their respective parish churches, but the sacred image miraculously returned to the place of discovery. The event, with miraculous implications, was interpreted as a sign from the Virgin to build a chapel in her honor in that location, which happened shortly thereafter.
The sanctuary derives its title from the discovery of a miraculous image of the Virgin, which arrived on a ship along the Marca canal. It was expanded starting in 1712 at the request of the priest of Barzaniga, Don Pietro Billieni. After obtaining the necessary episcopal license, work began and continued until September 12, 1728, the day of the consecration of the oratory, which also became the feast day to be commemorated. The project was made possible thanks to numerous alms donated by the population and the joint financial efforts of Don Billieni and Marquis Giacinto Ariguzzi.
The oratory dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Ship could be erected in October 1712, after the bishop of Cremona granted the necessary license, at the request of the provost of Barzaniga, Don Pietro Billieni.
The provost of Barzaniga was constantly involved. Don Pietro Billieni was responsible for the erection of the oratory in 1712, as he promoted it, directly requesting the necessary authorization from the bishop of Cremona. He provided constant financial assistance for the construction of the building, personally covering budget deficits. With the solemn blessing of the sanctuary in 1728, the building was opened for worship, overseen by the local priests of Barzaniga.
Although no specific patronage over the sanctuary has been found, it is worth noting that in 1728, Marquis Giacinto Ariguzzi endowed assets for the celebration of twelve annual masses.

26021 Barzaniga CR, Italy