Sanctuary of the Madonna della Gurva – Calasca Castiglione

There are two theories surrounding the creation of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Gurva and the birth of the popular devotion to Our Lady of Graces. The first theory is that the rock rolled down from the mountain above, saving the structure. The episode would have represented for the community of Calasca a great miracle and the faithful, attributing the event to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s protection, thus increased their devotion.
According to a local historian, however, the increased devotion for the Madonna della Gurva arose at the time of the great plague in Ossola, around 1630. Infected people were taken away from the village and confined beyond the bridge, near the original chapel. Those endless, solitary and repetitive days, filled only with prayer to the Blessed Virgin, allowed some of the plague victims to save themselves from the illness. Considered a true miracle, the community attributed the healing of the plague to Our Lady.
Whatever the historical truth, the chapel was enlarged and in 1641 the current sanctuary was inaugurated, undoubtedly one of the symbols of this lower Ossolan religion in which popular devotion has been and is still very much felt.
Near the sanctuary, on 15th August the Feast of the Ascension is celebrated with the participation of the Traditional Army of Calasca.