Sanctuary of the Madonna degli Olmetti

Introduction

The Sanctuary of the Madonna degli Olmetti, despite standing just a few metres from the Val di Viù provincial road, enjoys a splendid position at the bottom of a shady valley, not far from the waters of the Stura: it is precisely the vow of a fisherman that is said to be at the origin of the church, inside which is incorporated an ancient pillar, erected as the first place of worship and considered miraculous. Until a few years ago, a large, centuries-old elm tree stood in front of the church; it was recently felled, but in the area surrounding the sanctuary it is still possible to see some elm trees, from which the place of worship took its name. The sanctuary is located in a secluded spot: no wonder, then, that travellers in past centuries perceived strange shadows or felt some disturbing presence at night. Hence the birth of dark legends in which witches play a leading role in the events of this location.  

Description

Architectural description

The church, dating back to 1738, is surrounded on three sides by a portico erected in the 18th century to shelter pilgrims from the weather during festivals: porticos of this type can be found in many other places of worship in the Western Alps, but that of the Olmetti is particularly striking. The structure of the building presents some characteristic elements of mountain chapels: the roof of the church and the portico is entirely covered with stone slabs (loze); the white-plastered façade is very simple and essential; in the central part of the second order there is a large oval window flanked by two frescoes, unfortunately damaged, of a floral nature. The original pillar, incorporated into the wall dividing the chapel from the sacristy, is located to the side of the altar. As far as the interior is concerned, it is noteworthy how the space is exploited to the maximum, to the point that the pulpit, in the lower part, is transformed into a confessional. The Sanctuary offered much food for artistic thought in the approximately two hundred ex-votos and ancient paintings preserved inside, which unfortunately fell prey to numerous pillages over the years. Most of these were painted ex-votos; there were also fifteen oleographs or lithographs and several watercolours from the 19th century. 

Festivities

The feast day of the Olmetti Sanctuary is celebrated on 8 September.

Information

Collections

• santuari nella Città metropolitana di Torino - sulla mappa
• santuari in Piemonte - sulla mappa
• santuari in Italia - sulla mappa