Shrine of Madonna della Ceriola, Monte Isola, Italy

The origins of the Shrine of Madonna della Ceriola date back around the mid-5th century when Saint Vigilio, bishop of Brescia, introduced Christianity into the Lake Iseo area, thereby abolishing the worship of the pagan goddess Isis and spreading the faith in Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Saint Vigilio built a small chapel on the top of the island and dedicated it to the Virgin Mary as a symbol of purification from pagan superstitions and of the new light of Christianity. This small church was the first parish church of the island and was called Santa Maria de curis, as shown in the list of possessions of the Diocese of Brescia, which dates back to 1410. It was also the first church of the lake to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Later it was named Madonna della Ceriola, probably after the image of the Virgin (12th century) carved in a stump of cerro (Turkey oak). The Virgin was depicted seated on a throne, wearing a wide mantle and holding Baby Jesus.

Present-day building was fulfilled in the 16th century, but its inner part was modified the following century by the insertion of a new chancel. The bell tower was built in 1750.

References:

visitmonteisola.it

Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

Cornelia Schmidt (9 months ago)
A hard way to get up but worth the spectacular view over the lake and surroundings.

Anna H (2 years ago)
This took us 1 hour and 25 minutes to walk up the tarmac road. You can get a bus up to cure but even the walk up the last bit is challenging and cobbled. You do need good footwear, water and the right clothing. The views are spectacular and worth the effort if you are able.

sofi mitrova (2 years ago)
Fantastic place for a calm and nice walk, if you are looking for a weekend getaway.

KK (3 years ago)
Beautiful place. You can go up the mountain by bus and then go about 25 minutes to get to the church. A ticket to the bus costs 1,50 euro. Next to the church there is a free toiltet. During the walk there are seats and tables if you want to take a rest. The views are amazing.

Lukas Volf (4 years ago)
Superb views but the climbing is hard if you walk from lake... There is also a small caffe/bar where you can fulfill Your non-spirit energy.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Roman Moško

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Shrine of Madonna della Ceriola

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle