Sanctuary of Santa Maria Assunta in Montanera: Faith, Art, and History in the Cuneo Region

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the heart of Montanera, in the province of Cuneo, is a place of profound devotion and artistic testimony whose roots date back to the 15th century. This simple single-nave chapel, enriched by an altar and a sacristy, safeguards treasures of faith and art that invite prayer and discovery.

A Journey through the Frescoes: Testimonies of 16th-Century Faith

The true jewel of the sanctuary are the frescoes adorning the apse. The most significant is undoubtedly the 15th-century fresco, dating from the last quarter of the Quattrocento, which depicts the Madonna in the act of breastfeeding the Baby Jesus. This image of rare tenderness is surrounded by the figures of Saint John the Baptist, Saint Julian, and the patron, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery, offering interesting insights for enthusiasts of local history.

The fresco, datable between 1480 and 1499, represents a vivid expression of popular Marian devotion, with a particular focus on the maternal role of the Virgin. The presence of Saint John the Baptist, the precursor of Christ, and Saint Julian, the protector of travelers and pilgrims, underscores the sanctuary’s character of welcome and protection.

Another fresco of notable interest is that of the “Madonna Lunga” (Long Madonna), located in the upper part of the apse and datable to the mid-15th century (between approximately 1440 and 1460). In this representation, the Virgin is depicted in the act of protecting the population from scourges with her mantle. This powerful and consoling image reflects the difficulties and fears that afflicted the local community in the 15th century, a period marked by wars, plagues, and famines. Trying to decipher which specific scourges were represented could be a stimulating adventure in historical research!

Ex-Votos: A Dialogue between Faith and History

The walls of the sanctuary safeguard a precious collection of ex-votos, tangible testimonies of the faithful’s gratitude for graces received. About fifty ex-votos, the oldest dating back to the 19th century, offer a snapshot of the life and concerns of the local community over the centuries. Among these are tablets or plaques with inscriptions, painted tablets, and photographs, each telling a story of faith, hope, and healing. Their current arrangement, on the left wall of the nave, makes them easily accessible and viewable for visitors.

Ideas for Adventure: In Search of the Sanctuary’s Mysteries

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria Assunta also offers ideas for a historical and artistic “treasure hunt.” For example:

• The identity of the patron of the Nursing Madonna fresco: Who was this person and why did they choose to be depicted next to the Virgin and the saints?
• The meaning of the scourges represented in the Madonna Lunga fresco: Which specific historical events inspired this image of protection and consolation?

Their connection to the life of the sanctuary could reveal new stories and anecdotes.

A Place of Grace and Indulgence

Devotion to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Assunta has been recognized and encouraged over the centuries. In 1848, the Bishop of Cuneo, Clemente Mazzini, granted an indulgence of forty days to those who visited the sanctuary and participated in religious celebrations.

Today, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Assunta continues to be a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and contemplation. Its simple and austere beauty, enriched by the expressive depth of the frescoes and the testimony of the ex-votos, invites visitors to an authentic and meaningful experience of faith. Come and discover this corner of paradise in the Cuneo region, a place where faith, art, and history intertwine in an inseparable embrace.