Sanctuary erected between 1716 and 1721 at the behest of Countess Teresa Rangoni Naldi, niece of Count Ugo and wife of Count Girolamo Naldi of Faenza.
The building has a Greek cross layout with brick walls, topped by a cylindrical dome covered with tiles; two identical bell towers on the sides, three altars.
In 1908, a school was opened in the room above the sacristy.
Between 1911 and 1934, the building underwent multiple restorations.
**Description**: Oil on canvas depicting the Madonna della Salute with Child, a work attributed to Giacomo Cavedoni, a 17th-century painter from Sassuolo. The Virgin appears in a blue mantle, gazing at the Child, who sits on her lap and affectionately grasps her thumb. Both figures wear silver crowns on their heads. Above them is the inscription *Salus nostra in manu tua*. The frame is carved and gilded wood.
On September 7, 1721, the image was transferred from the oratory to the parish church of St. Antonino in Levizzano Castle, later returning in procession to Puianello.
**Date of use**: Between 1600 and 1665
**Image**: Painting
**Types of ex-votos**: Painted tablets, Goldsmithing objects
In 1740, the oratory was designated as a subsidiary of the parish of Levizzano, thanks to the initiative of Countess Teresa Rangoni Naldi, who sent a petition to the Bishop of Modena, Monsignor Stefano Fogliani, signed by five priests and twenty heads of households, emphasizing the sanctuary’s religious importance amid widespread disregard for religious rules. In 1745, it became a branch of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. The sanctuary was abandoned in the early 19th century due to repeated wartime incursions. The decree recognizing its elevation to a sanctuary dates back to 1993.
In 1753, a dispute arose between the sanctuary’s protonotary, Don Cesare Vandelli, and the provost of Levizzano, Don Girolamo Vandelli, over the parish’s rights concerning the oratory. Among these rights was the provost’s claim to celebrate sacred functions in the sanctuary, which, on special feast days, was to be considered merely a subsidiary of the parish church.
After World War II, the sanctuary became a significant center of religious activity in the area. Examples include contemporary art exhibitions, dialect poetry competitions, the Artist’s Mass, the practice of the “Hour of Vigil,” penitential marches, and fundraising for the Ghirlandina Village, a missionary center in Central Africa.
The date given for the establishment of the first parish corresponds to the oldest preserved document.
**BIBLIOGRAPHY** – The following texts, already included in the bibliographic repertoire linked to sanctuaries in the Diocese of Modena, provide references and bibliography useful for current research:
– **BOOK** – BALDELLI FRANCA, *Gli archivi parrocchiali della provincia di Modena*, 1994. (Examines all parishes in the Diocese of Modena-Nonantola, briefly reconstructing their history and documentary heritage. Specifically: Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute in Puianello: p. 156)
– **BOOK** – SILINGARDI GIANCARLO, *Santuari Mariani Modenesi*, Modena 1979 (Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute in Puianello: pp. 131-148)
– **BOOK** – MONTANARI GIANCARLO, *Itinerari mariani*, Modena 1991 (Examines some of the main oratories and sanctuaries dedicated to the Virgin in the Diocese of Modena-Nonantola, providing historical, artistic, and devotional information: Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute in Puianello: I, 96-103)
– **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: Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute in Puianello: p. 199)
– **BOOK** – *L’Emilia Romagna paese per paese*, Florence 1987-1989, vols. VI (Brief description of content; an alphabetical publication describing 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 della Salute in Puianello: II, 29)
– **BOOK** – LONGAGNANI, MANICARDI, SCHIFANI CORFINI, *Le Case le Pietre le Storie. Itinerari nei comuni della provincia di Modena*, Modena 1980 (A guide by the Province of Modena reviewing places to visit in each municipality, including thematic itineraries, one of which focuses on sanctuaries. Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute in Puianello: pp. 54 and 114-115).
From 1745, as a branch of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, it enjoyed the same indulgences as the mother church on special feast days.
In 1753, a dispute arose between the sanctuary’s protonotary, Don Cesare Vandelli, and the provost of Levizzano, Don Girolamo Vandelli, regarding the parish’s rights over the oratory. Among these rights was the provost’s claim to celebrate sacred functions in the sanctuary, which, on special feast days, was to be considered merely a subsidiary of the parish church.
Since 1947, the spiritual care of the sanctuary has been entrusted to the Capuchin Fathers.
In 1911, the sanctuary’s rector was Don Luigi Bruni, making the sanctuary dependent on the parish. This transfer of ownership to the parish’s prebend was facilitated by the fact that Alessandro Coppi’s sister had married the brother of the provost of Levizzano, Don Gaetano Nava.
Following a sale, Luigi Reggianini transferred the sanctuary to Alessandro Coppi.
Giulio Reggianini was a patriot who participated in the uprisings of 1831. In 1880, patronage remained with the Reggianini family, represented by Luigi Reggianini.
In 1721, Teresa Rangoni donated a benefice (1,000 *biolche* of land).
42020 Puianello RE, Italy
