Building with a Greek cross plan, topped by an octagonal dome, featuring 3 chapels, three altars, in Baroque style.
The facade was completed only in 1889, designed by engineer Eugenio Vandelli.
The completion of the building dates back to 1943 with the paintings in the dome and the presbytery vault.
The sanctuary has suffered the consequences of repeated floods; in the last century, the floods of November 5, 1966, and 1973 are particularly remembered.
**Description:**
A 15th-century fresco, repeatedly modified. The Madonna, her head covered with a blue veil, holds the Child, who caresses her face. Golden stars adorn the background. Artist unknown. The plaque reads: *Non derelinquam populum meum* (“I will not abandon my people”). On January 21, 1689, after heavy snowfall and the collapse of the roof of the Church of San Clemente, the image was discovered and attributed with miraculous powers.
**First use:** 1689
**Image:** Painting
**Collection notes:** 35 objects
**Type of ex-votos:** Painted tablets
**Reference to publications or printed descriptions:** L.F., *Il Santuario degli ex voto fra gli acquitrini di S.Clemente*, in *Gazzetta dell’Emilia*, August 31, 1959.
In the same location in 1026, a chapel dependent on the Modena chapter, dedicated to San Clemente, was documented, erected by the Cesis family—future feudal lords of Gombola in the medieval Apennines—(referred to as *cappella S.Clementis de Cesa* in a diploma signed by King Conrad in 1026). In 1346, an oratory dedicated to the Holy Cross was rebuilt on the same site at the expense of Geminiano Fontana, a Modenese nobleman. The patronage of the oratory later passed to the Balugola family. In 1454, the building, now unusable, was reconstructed. It was consecrated in 1469, the year it was elevated to a parish.
After disappearing for unknown reasons, the oratory was rebuilt in 1534 and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Assumption of Pedagno, due to its proximity to the Naviglio canal crossing. In 1535, the oratory was merged with the Parish of San Clemente. By 1650, when the Church of San Clemente had fallen into decline, the parish was transferred to the oratory itself.
The idea for the sanctuary’s construction arose on January 21, 1689, after heavy snowfall caused the roof of the Church of San Clemente to collapse, revealing an image of the Madonna and Child, which was attributed with miraculous powers. The foundation stone was laid on June 13. The sanctuary was consecrated on September 8, 1691, and on September 18, the painting was detached from the wall and placed on the altar. The decree elevating it to a sanctuary dates back to 1993.
According to tradition, the sanctuary’s origin is linked to popular devotion to the image, which reportedly healed a young boy. A 12-year-old girl from Bastiglia (surname Malagoli) witnessed miraculous events near the image: blinding flashes, small flames, voices, and the scent of incense. After praying before the image and returning to Bastiglia, she recounted the events to her teacher, Clarice, and her brother Odoardo, who had been seriously ill for three months. Following further prayers at the site of the image, Odoardo was healed.
While there was unanimous agreement to rebuild the chapel, the choice of location was disputed. A series of inexplicable events (scents of incense, mysterious explosions, and sudden lights) led to the preference for the original site.
– **1794:** Flooding of the Secchia and Panaro rivers.
– **1796:** The sanctuary was looted following the arrival of Napoleonic troops.
– **1855:** Further damage caused by hailstorms and floods.
– **1966 and 1973:** Damage from flooding.
**Additional references in bibliography include works referencing multiple sanctuaries:**
– **[MISCELLANEA]** – PEZZOLI S., *Repertorio generale dei santuari in Emilia Romagna*, in *Arte e santuari in Emilia Romagna*, Cinisello Balsamo 1987 (Diocese of Modena: Sanctuary of the Madonna of S. Clemente: p. 198).
– **[BOOK]** – AAVV, *L’Emilia Romagna paese per paese*, 6 volumes (a publication describing, in alphabetical order, the geographical, economic, institutional, historical, and artistic aspects of Emilia-Romagna municipalities. It also covers places of worship. Diocese of Modena: Sanctuary of the Madonna of S. Clemente: I, p. 106).
– **[BOOK]** – LONGAGNANI, MANICARDI, SCHIFANI CORFINI, *Le Case le Pietre le Storie. Itinerari nei comuni della provincia di Modena* (a guide by the Province of Modena reviewing places to visit in each municipality, including thematic itineraries, one dedicated to sanctuaries. Sanctuary of the Madonna of S. Clemente: pp. 57 and 69).
– **[BOOK]** – GARUTI, GOLINELLI, *Modena. Le chiese della provincia. Storia e immagini. La Bassa.* (Sanctuary of the Madonna of S. Clemente: pp. 20-21).
In 1796, upon the arrival of French troops, the sanctuary was looted of all its belongings. Later, during the Austrian Restoration, a pious union was established to ensure the sanctuary’s custody and maintenance. In 1836, Bishop Adeodato Caleffi approved the statutes of the association and appointed a priest for officiation.
**Address:**
41030 Bastiglia MO, Italy
