Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Angels: A Jewel of Faith and History in Gazzelli

Nestled in the tranquility of the Ligurian hinterland, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Angels in Gazzelli stands as a place of deep spirituality and a guardian of centuries of local history. With its evocative architecture and treasured artworks, this sanctuary invites visitors to an experience of faith and cultural discovery.

Architecture and Sacred Art

The sanctuary features an elliptical floor plan, characterized by a single nave adorned with three altars. The entrance is preceded by an elegant portico with cross vaults, supported by stone columns and sturdy masonry corner pillars that define its perimeter. Flanking the main portal, two large windows invite prayer and contemplation, while above them rises a Serliana window, adding a touch of refinement to the ensemble.

Over time, the sanctuary underwent several expansions and restorations. In 1643, the choir was enlarged to accommodate more worshippers. Documents preserved in the Diocesan Archive of Albenga (Parish of Gazzelli, folder 270) testify to the efforts of Bishops De Marinis (during pastoral visits in 1657 and 1662) and Tomaso Pinello (1670), who encouraged the local community to complete the oratory or build a new one, driven by growing popular devotion.

The Artistic Treasure: The Visitation and Its History

Once, the main altar of the sanctuary housed a priceless painting depicting the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Elizabeth. The work, attributed to Domenico Piola or, more likely, to the talented Bartolomeo Biscaino (1649), was one of the focal points of Marian devotion. However, to preserve its integrity, the painting was transferred to the parish church. In its place, a copy by contemporary painter Claudio Virgilio of Gazzelli now adorns the main altar, continuing to inspire admiration and reflection.

Historical Roots and Popular Devotion

A document dated March 17, 1538, attests to the existence of the oratory already in that year, with the parish priest of Gazzelli, Bartolomeo Amoretto of Oneglia, serving as its chaplain. This record highlights the antiquity of the place of worship and its importance in the spiritual life of the local community.

Popular tradition attributes the origin of the Sanctuary to a miraculous event: the preservation of Gazzelli from the plague that had devastated the nearby village of Sarola. This story, passed down through generations, strengthens the bond between the sanctuary and divine protection. The faithful have long seen the Virgin of the Angels as a safe refuge in times of hardship and suffering.

Ex-Votos and Testimonies of Faith

The sanctuary houses a rich collection of ex-votos, tangible testimonies of the faithful’s gratitude for received graces. Among these, the painted tablets—especially those of maritime tradition—stand out, recounting stories of dangers averted and miraculous interventions. Each ex-voto represents an act of faith and a sign of gratitude to Our Lady of the Angels.

A particularly intriguing legend involves a pair of crutches preserved as an ex-voto. It is said that a man, feigning lameness to obtain a disability pension during World War I, visited the sanctuary. After fervent prayer, he was miraculously healed and abandoned his crutches, exposing his deceit. This tale, steeped in faith and morality, underscores the sanctuary’s thaumaturgic power and the importance of honesty.

Ancient Inventories and Lost Treasures

During the pastoral visit of September 23, 1591, Luca Fieschi mandated the adaptation of the altar table to Tridentine norms, including the presence of a consecrated stone and a predella. This directive was reiterated in the visit of September 23, 1607 (Diocesan Archive of Albenga, Parish of Gazzelli, folder 270), emphasizing the Church’s attention to proper liturgy and the dignity of the sacred space.

The inventory compiled by parish priest Antonio Guercio on August 29, 1593, reveals that the church was well-stocked with furnishings, vestments, and artworks, including wooden statues of the Nativity, the Sepulcher, and a silver crown for the Madonna (Diocesan Archive of Albenga, Parish of Gazzelli, folder 270). Sadly, many of these works have been lost over time, but their memory lives on in the sanctuary’s history.

Adventurous Research Ideas:

• Diocesan Archive of Albenga: Delve deeper into research at the Diocesan Archive to uncover further details about the sanctuary’s documents (folder 270).
• Ex-Votos: Study the ex-votos in the sanctuary in depth. Each tablet, each object, tells a unique story of faith and received grace. Exploring the history behind these items may reveal insights into the lives and hopes of the faithful.

18027 Gazzelli IM, Italy