Ceranesi (GE)

History of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Guard

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Guard in Genoa, built after the demolition of the previous 16th-century church, was inaugurated in 1890. A document from 1530 recounts that in 1490 the Virgin appeared to the farmer Benedetto Pareto, who, together with local residents, built a small chapel. Later, local authorities enlarged the structure (1528–30). The year of its consecration was 1822. It was demolished in 1903 and replaced by the new church, inaugurated on May 26, 1890, and consecrated on July 27, 1901.

Key Events at the Sanctuary

The Virgin, appearing to the farmer, pointed to the exact location where he should build the chapel. When he told his wife, she discouraged him. The next day, the farmer fell from a tree and was seriously injured. The Virgin appeared to him again, healed him, and renewed her request that he build a chapel in her honor.

Dates and Events to Remember

Eve of August 29

September 12

Second Sunday of June

Last Sunday of May

The Eve of August 29 is the day of the annual solemnity. On this occasion, all the valleys of the Genoese area are illuminated in honor of the Virgin, and a solemn torchlight procession takes place, led by the Archbishop. During the year, parishes from the Archdiocese make pilgrimages to the sanctuary to renew the vow of thanksgiving made by their communities to the Heavenly Guardian.

September 12 is the Solemn Feast of the Name of Mary.
The second Sunday of June celebrates the Feast of the Coronation.
The last Sunday of May is dedicated to the Flower Festival.

Annual Solemn Feast of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Guard – Cesanesi (Genoa)

Description of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Guard in Genoa

The Neo-Renaissance sanctuary has three naves separated by four arches. It is shaped like a Latin cross, with an octagonal dome at the center of the transept, supported by four pillars. In front of the façade is a horseshoe-shaped portico and a large square leading to a grand staircase. The staircase opens onto a vast lawn from which various valleys and the city of Genoa can be seen. Next to the basilica, three different buildings serve as a hospice for pilgrims.

Interior:

-In 1530, Laura Ghersi donated an image of the Virgin holding the Child, which is now preserved in the sacristy. There you will also find the sanctuary’s first altar with the ancient image of the Apparition in the marble antependium.

-A marble statue of the Virgin with the Child and Blessed Pareto was placed on the main altar in 1632 and moved to the Chapel of the Apparition in 1894, where it still remains. Also from 1632, sculptor Antonio Canepa created a polychrome wooden statue of the Virgin with the Child, and at her feet, Blessed Pareto with lambs. This statue is placed in a grand marble niche topped by angels and the coat of arms of the City of Genoa, located behind the main altar and accessible via a double marble staircase.

Types of Ex Votos: Illuminations, painted or engraved plaques, gold or silver objects, actual or symbolic prostheses, various objects, photographs, and more.

Current Preservation: They are kept in a special room adjacent to the left nave, though they are periodically removed and stored to make space for new offerings.

Highlights:
A must-see is the charming nativity scene by Gigi Noli, open to the public since 1999 and located in rooms beneath the portico. It is highly evocative, built entirely with humble materials such as roots, twigs, shells, seeds, bark, and enriched with intricate mechanical animation systems.

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