chapelDescription: A terracotta sculpture depicting the Virgin and Child holding a swallow in her hands, repeatedly painted and retouched, possibly attributable to Michele da Firenze, an artist from Donatello’s circle and creator of a terracotta altarpiece in Modena Cathedral. Currently, after its restoration in 1981, the statue has been returned to its original appearance in natural terracotta. Previously, the image, already venerated in the 17th century, was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. The name change occurred in the first half of the 19th century following miraculous events. According to tradition, the face of the Virgin was repeatedly seen sweating and changing color. Between 1834 and 1839, a period marked by a strong revival of devotion to this image, an 18th-century legend resurfaced, claiming the statue was found in the waters of the Panaro River. This legend is recorded on an epigraph hanging on the right wall of the chapel. In 1885, devotion grew following the escape from a cholera epidemic; that year, the image was crowned. Date of use: between 1600 and 1800. Image: Statue
Type of ex-votos: Painted tablets, Jewelry objects

The devotion centers around a terracotta sculpture of the Virgin and Child holding a swallow, repeatedly painted and retouched, possibly by Michele da Firenze, an artist from Donatello’s circle and creator of a terracotta altarpiece in Modena Cathedral. The image, already venerated in the 17th century, was originally dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. The name change occurred in the first half of the 19th century following miraculous events. According to tradition, the Virgin’s face was repeatedly seen sweating and changing color. Between 1834 and 1839, a period of renewed devotion to this image, an 18th-century legend resurfaced, claiming the statue was found in the waters of the Panaro River. This legend is recorded on an epigraph hanging on the right wall of the chapel. In 1885, devotion grew after escaping a cholera epidemic; that year, the image was crowned. By the late 19th century, the oratory became a destination for pilgrimages and solemn Marian celebrations.
BIBLIOGRAPHY – The following texts, already included in the bibliographic repertoire linked to the sanctuaries of the Diocese of Modena, provide references and useful bibliography for ongoing research: BOOK – BALDELLI FRANCA, *Gli archivi parrocchiali della provincia di Modena*, 1994. (The work examines all the parishes of the Diocese of Modena-Nonantola, briefly reconstructing their history and documentary heritage. Specifically: Madonna della Rondine (in S. Adriano): p. 162) – ARTICLE IN MISCELLANY – PEZZOLI S., *Repertorio generale dei santuari in Emilia Romagna*, in *Arte e santuari in Emilia Romagna*, Cinisello Balsamo 1987 (Diocese of Modena: Madonna della Rondine (in S. Adriano): p. 204)) – BOOK – / – *L’Emilia Romagna paese per paese*, Firenze 1987-1989, vols. VI (Brief description of content: a publication that, in alphabetical order, describes the geographical, economic, institutional, historical, and artistic aspects of Emilia-Romagna towns. When discussing the artistic heritage and traditions of each town, it also covers places of worship. Diocese of Modena: Madonna della Rondine (in S. Adriano): V, 216-217)) – BOOK – LONGAGNANI, MANICARDI, SCHIFANI CORFINI, *Le Case le Pietre le Storie. Itinerari nei comuni della provincia di Modena*, Modena 1980 (Brief description of content: a guide, curated by the Province of Modena, reviewing all places to visit in individual towns. At the beginning, thematic itineraries are proposed, one of which is dedicated to sanctuaries. Madonna della Rondine (in S. Adriano): p. 340).