History
On 18th March 1536, Mary appeared three times to the shepherd Antonio Botta (c.1470-1550). This happened during a war between Savona and Genoa. For the warring parties, She had the message: “Misericordia e non Giustizia” (Mercy and not justice). Antonio Botta came from Borgo di San Bernardo (village of Saint Bernard), which is not far from Savona. The encounters between Our Lady and Antonio Botta took place in the Valley of Saint Bernard. Furthermore, the Holy Virgin called on the people of the region to do penance and fast. The apparitions led to the devotion to Our Lady of Savona, and a chapel was built.
After the chapel, a church will soon follow. The design is by Pace Antonio Sormano, a 16th-century architect from Lombardy. The church will be built between 1536 and 1540. The Baroque façade is the design of architect and sculptor Taddeo Carlone (1543-1615), and he created the façade between 1609 and 1611.
The effigy of the patron saint of Savona was crowned in 1815 during the visit to Savona of Pius VII, Pope from 1800 to 1823, born Count Luigi Barnada Chiaramonti (1742-1823).
In 1904, the church was elevated to the status of basilica by Pius X, Pope from 1903-1914, born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto (1835-1914).
On 17 May 2008, Benedict XVI, Pope in the period 2005-2013, (Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, 1927-2022), visited the Pilgrimage Church and prayed before the statue of Our Lady of Mercy.
Pilgrimage site
Savona lies on the Ligurian coast, and the sanctuary is found a few kilometres from the town. The “Santuario Nostra Signora della Misericordia” (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy) is the pilgrimage site of Savona.
Above the entrance is an effigy of Mary and Child. Mary has placed her Son on her right thigh. The high altar of the pilgrimage church is attributed to sculptor Francesco Maria Schiaffino (1688-1763).
In the basilica, many frescoes have been painted on the dome, on the ceiling of the nave, and on the walls.
The dome displays frescoes, and these were painted by the artist Bernardo Castello (1557-1629).
In the crypt stands a large effigy of Mary as she appeared to Antonio Botta on 18 March 1536.
ACCESSIBILITY
The “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy” is located about 6 kilometres from the centre of Savona. The pilgrimage site is situated inland.
Address: Via Santuario, Savona, near the SP12 road.
For additional information, please visit: www.santuariosavona.eu.
Experience
Visiting Savona's pilgrimage site is on today's agenda. The sanctuary is located a few kilometres from the tourist hustle and bustle of the port city.
When I arrive at the pilgrimage church, there's a car park to be found across the street. The church stands on a square, which is surrounded by trees, with a fountain in the middle featuring a large effigy. The house of worship is majestically situated, and the robust façade impresses me. The buildings near the pilgrimage church used to be a hospice and an orphanage, I'm told.
A service is taking place in the church. Greeting Mary up close isn't an option at the moment. I take a seat among the churchgoers, as the people are sitting close together. There's less seating available because of restoration work. It's a matter of waiting and praying until Our Lady, with friends in mind. Half an hour later, it's time for a host. After the distribution of communion, the eucharistic service is quickly concluded. After that, I take a walk through the church, pausing at the paintings and statues. Then I greet Mary. I look at Her, thank Her for the successful journey and inform Her of my plans for today. The latter is unnecessary, as She already knows what I'm doing here.
It's taking photos of the many expressions of beauty that here seem like paradise to visitors. Which becomes even more beautiful when the scaffolding for the repair work is no longer there.
At the back of the church, I see images of the apparition of Mary, who was here. I see the effigy of the man; he meets Mary and kneels before the standing Madonna.
The crypt beneath the priest's choir is quite remarkable. There I am in the most relevant part of this building. A large statue of Mary welcomes me, and that touches the heart. It is a large effigy of the apparition in 1536.
Environment
From Genoa to Savona is 48 km westwards.
The distance from Alassio to Savona is 55 km north-east.
Departing from Cuneo to arrive in Savona requires travelling 99 km westwards.
To leave the large city of Turin and reach Savona means travelling 140 km to the south-east.
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