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History
Construction of the pilgrimage church begins in 1537, and the work is completed in 1590. The stone statue of grace of Mary dates from around 1300. The story goes that the statue was hidden in a wooded ravine. In the 16th century, it was rediscovered by a deaf-mute shepherdess. After the discovery, she regained her hearing and ability to speak. By publicising this, the statue's popularity increased. This encouraged visits to the pilgrimage church in Ossuccio, which was built on the spot where the statue was found by the shepherdess.
Between 1635 and 1688, 14 chapels were built in the Baroque style. Each chapel features an aedicule; a casing for a niche with pillars and a pediment (arch) to house statues. Chapel XIV is dated 18 August 1665 and depicts the Assumption of Mary. Most of the statues are made of terracotta and plaster by Agostino Silva (c. 1628-1706), and the frescoes are the work of, among others, Francesco Innocenzo Torriani (1648-1700) and Giovanni Paolo Recchi (c. 1606-c. 1686). Most chapels were realised with financial donations from the wealthy.
In the pilgrimage church is the 15th mystery of the Rosary, namely the coronation of Mary in heaven. In the pilgrimage church, there is stucco work made by Giovanni Battista Muttoni (1631-1675) and frescoes are by Salvatore Pozzi (1595-1681). On 1 August 1699, the pilgrimage church was consecrated by Francesco Bonesana (1649-1709), Bishop of Como (1696-1709).
The clock tower was completed in 1719. The design is by architect Giovanni Battista Bianchi (1631-1687). The entire construction of the tower, church and chapels was carried out on the initiative of Franciscan monks and noble families from the neighbourhood.
The chapel with the devotional image of the seated Mary with the child standing on her left leg was built in 1878. The throne was made in 1843 by Biagio Magistretti (1779-1846). Many ex-votos hang on the walls.
Since 2003, the sanctuary has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In 2014, the pilgrimage site falls under the responsibility of the Diocese of Como.
Pilgrimage site
The Sanctuary of Ossuccio belongs to the group of 9 Holy Mountains (Sacri Monti) in Lombardy and Piedmont. The pilgrimage church stands at about 400 metres above sea level with a view of part of Lake Como.
The sanctuary is called “Sacro Monte della Beata Vergine del Soccorso” and in Dutch this is “Holy Mountain of the Blessed Virgin of Help”. On the mountain there are 14 Baroque chapels, displaying mysteries of the rosary with no fewer than 230 statues. The path along the Baroque chapels to the pilgrimage church is less than a kilometre long.
The pilgrimage church has two main altars. One features a depiction of the Coronation of Mary. This high altar was built between 1730 and 1740. The Coronation is the 15th mystery of the Rosary. This statue stands behind an arch, and on either side of this arcade hangs a painting. On the right is the Annunciation, with the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, and on the left is the Visitation, with Mary and her cousin Elizabeth.
In the side chapel stands the stone statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, dating from around 1300. This chapel is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians.
In the church there is also a black marble altar with a 1501 painting featuring Mary, the Child, and Saint Euphemia.
The frescoes in the church include those of the birth of Mary, the assumption of Mary, the crowning of the Holy Virgin and floating angels.
The Sanctuary of Ossuccio is an excellent place for receiving spiritual aid, encountering silence, an opportunity to pray, meeting Mary there, and enjoying the many artistic expressions.
The shrine's feast day is 8 September, the Nativity of Mary.
The pilgrimage site is open daily.
ACCESSIBILITY
The pilgrimage site of Ossuccio is located in northern Italy, on the shore of the northwestern Lake Como, north of the town of Como. The sanctuary lies slightly above the village of Ossuccio, which belongs to the municipality of Tremezzina.
Address: Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, 22016 Ossuccio.
Webinfo: www.santuariosoccorso.blogspot.co.uk.
Experience
After driving about 25 kilometres along Lake Como, I reach the turn-off for the town of Ossuccio, which is located slightly higher up. Climbing another Holy Mountain and after passing through the village, I park the car and continue uphill on foot. Along the rising path, there are chapels with sculptural groups depicting the Passion of Jesus. The image of Mary is also frequently seen in various stages of her life and that of Jesus. Large statues in the chapels say so much without words. I ascend higher and higher up this Holy Mountain and am almost at the top, by the pilgrimage church. Now for chapel XIV.
When I reach Chapel XIV, the number of statues to be counted within it is over 20. The structure dates back to 1665. Mary is depicted centrally and she is surrounded by angels. On the ground stand the 12 apostles, and with astonished looks, they see the Mother of Jesus ascending. Frescoes are applied to the walls, and on one wall is a painting of the pilgrimage site of Ossuccio. At the very top is God the Father with musical angels.
Continuing further up the Holy Mountain, I come to the pilgrimage church. There is a sign here that states this Holy Mountain has been on the UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, list since 2003. This is proof that this mountain belongs to world heritage.
In the pilgrimage church, I'm absolutely mesmerised! What beauty in the statues, frescoes, paintings, and decorations! In the main altar stands Mary, and she is being crowned by God the Father and Jesus. This scene makes me feel like I'm in heaven. The paintings show stages from Mary's life. I see the Angel Gabriel visiting her, and the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth.
In the “Cappella della Madonna del Soccorso” (Chapel of Our Lady of Help) hang many ex-votos and the devotionnal image stands in a golden niche. Mary is seated and her Child stands on her left upper leg. What beauty is bestowed upon me here. This is the place for many prayers and I have my intentions ready for good people who are a bit down on their luck with their health.
After praying to Our Lady, I return to the other part of the pilgrimage church and admire the frescoes, including the Assumption and Coronation of Mary in heaven. I take a seat with a wicker seat and let it all sink in. What a wonderful gift I have received to come here and feel so close to Mary. This place of worship is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage churches I have visited.
Environment
Ossuccio is situated near the northwest shore of Lake Como, high mountains, and the islet of Comacina. The area is suitable for water sports, mountain climbing, and hiking. Nearby Lake Como, many citrus and olive trees can be seen. The architectural heritage can be observed in many places, with evidence from Romanesque, pre-Christian, and medieval times. The monastery of San Benedetto and the abbey of Acquafredda are in the immediate vicinity.
From the tourist town of Como to Ossuccio is 26 km going north.
Travelling from the Marian pilgrimage site in Varese to that of Ossuccio means covering 50 km to the northeast.
The distance from the large city of Milan to Ossuccio is 73 km north.
Travelling from the Swiss town of Lugano to the Italian town of Ossuccio is 49 km to the southeast.
Departing from Locarno in Switzerland to arrive in Ossuccio in Italy involves travelling 87 km to the southeast.
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