Sanctuary of the Madonna della Bocciola - Comune di Ameno, fraz. Vacciago
(10 min. by car from Orta)
If you love spectacular, expansive views and works of art this is the perfect place to come: this elegant church stands on a scenic open square from which you enjoy the romantic beauty of lake Orta surrounded by its green hills.
The big church is a Sanctuary dedicated to our Lady in a gesture of thanks following the miraculous appearance of our Lady to Giulia Manfredi, a young dumb shepherdess in the year 1543.
It is said that from that day forwards the village never suffered the plague epidemics which would periodically affect it's neighbours.
The inner walls of the church are completely covered with frescoes depicting various Biblical episodes. In a little side chapel is an interesting relic: a piece of the wild plum tree on which our Lady appeared to young Giulia.
Interestingly, inside the church is a collection of redundant "aids" (such as walking sticks), left by those whose prayers for healing have been answered.
