Santuario della Beata Vergine del Monticino

The Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Monticino crowns one of Brisighella's gypsum hills and completes the town's distinctive trio of fortress, clock tower and shrine.

Why it matters

The sanctuary represents the devotional counterpart to the Rocca and Torre dell'Orologio, which occupy the other two ridges in Brisighella's skyline. Local devotion began with a painted tile of the Virgin and grew into a pilgrimage church overlooking the town and the Vena del Gesso landscape.

What to notice

The sanctuary stands on Monte Cozzolo, later known as Monticino, above the gypsum ridge. A facade designed by Edoardo Collamarini was added in 1926 for the third centenary of the cult. The late-neoclassical building contrasts with the exposed gypsum behind it, while the surrounding landscape includes the former Monticino quarry, now a geological site.

Context and history

A votive tile of the Virgin drew worshippers in 1626 and led to construction of an oratory. A larger church was built between 1756 and 1773 by local craftsmen. The apse preserves nineteenth-century frescoes by Savino Lega. Collamarini designed the facade added in 1926. The Antica Sagra del Monticino has been associated with the sanctuary since 1662, reflecting the long-standing role of the Marian devotion in Brisighella's community life.