Sanctuary of Santa Cristina

Cantoira, Italy

The Sanctuary of Santa Cristina is a stone chapel or small church perched precariously atop a rocky crag, some 1300 meters high, overlooking the Val Grande National Park. It is within the territory of the comune of Cantoira in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont, northern Italy. The church is only accessible via an arduous trek up hundreds of hewn stairs.

The site had a votive pillar erected in 1440 and dedicated to Saint Christina of Bolsena. Tradition holds that a shepherd, accosted by wolves, was rescued after the apparition of the Saint dispersed the predators. The pillar is part of the choir at the right of the entrance. The mountain-top localization of the shrine has some similarities to the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.

The first chapel was erected by citizens of both the town of Ceres and Cantoira, and both disputed the site. The interior has some 15th-century frescoes.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Cantoira, Italy
See all sites in Cantoira

Details

Founded: 1440
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

luciano aimone (5 months ago)
Incredible construction that stands at 1340 m on a rocky spur dominating Ceres at the confluence of the Ala and Val Grande di Lanzo valleys, accessible via paths from both Ceres and Cantoira. It is advisable to make a ring to be able to see both routes, which are very beautiful and of interesting development. Going up from Ceres you will find vestiges of the populations who inhabited the area, starting from the chapel of the A ppestati, to the small church of Madonna dell'Angelo, houses and "balms" that take us back to a time gone by. It is definitely worth the time and effort it requires. Furthermore, the return from Cantoira to Ceres is largely on a dirt road that runs close to the stream.
Abdoul Karim Niang (7 months ago)
More than the evaluation of the sanctuary itself, this is the review of the route to reach it from Cantoira. The route, carried out in August, is quite demanding with a difference in height that begins to feel quite enough even if you are trained. The duration is approximately 1h 30 / 2h considering the pit stop. Halfway there is a fountain for drinking and bathing. I recommend leaving early, equipped with water, light and breathable clothing. On the way we came across a small gambling den. The air at the top is clean and the silence is meditative on the beauties that God has given us. I don't think it's possible to enter the sanctuary.
Celestin Bulai (9 months ago)
A fairly easy itinerary, to reach the summit where the Sanctuary of Santa Cristina is located which is perched on a rocky spur at 1340 meters, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lower Val Grande and Val d'Ala. The party takes place on July 24th.
Mario De Luca (14 months ago)
Reachable by walking on paths starting from Cantoria or Ceres (from which these photos refer). Very nice overview from the sanctuary.
Lise Aquara (2 years ago)
Quiet and affordable hike for almost everyone and the 360 ​​degree view from the top is spectacular. The gta sign gives the journey completed from departure to arrival in an hour and 45 minutes but if you are trained you can easily complete it in an hour .... Unfortunately on the summit there is no water and if you make the journey with the dog in summer it is better to take a little more with you
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.