SANTUARY OF TREZZO - DUMENZA

Devotion and spirituality are gathered in this small sanctuary in the Dumentina Valley, still today among the most evocative places of worship in this part of upper Verbano

The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Trezzo, located in the Dumenza area, is one of the most evocative places of worship in the Dumentina Valley. Perched among the mountains and accessible via a scenic Stations of the Cross with 432 steps and 13 chapels, the sanctuary welcomes visitors into an environment that unites faith, art, and nature, offering an enchanting view of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding valley from its forecourt.

The origins of Marian worship in this place are rooted in popular tradition: according to legend, during the plague of 1348, a young deaf-mute woman had a vision of the Madonna, urging the population to pray and do penance to ward off the disease. The church was consecrated in 1526 and gained fame in the 16th century, becoming a destination for pilgrimages and processions, especially on August 15th, when the Faithful flocked from the nearby Canton of Ticino.

The building, once annexed to a Benedictine convent, has a rectangular plan with side chapels, a semicircular apse, and a bell tower with an octagonal lantern. The entrance is preceded by an elegant arched pronaos, while the interior is surprising for its decorative richness: polychrome marble, baroque stucco, and devotional frescoes. Of particular note is the depiction of the Virgin of Grace above the altar, depicted protecting the nuns and the community of the Faithful under her cloak.

The church has also hosted illustrious figures: Saint Charles Borromeo visited it in 1574, recognizing its spiritual importance, while a few years later a Baroque transformation began, further enriching the interior. The tradition of the Ferragosto pilgrimage, alive for centuries, is linked not only to Marian devotion but also to miraculous events: in 1798, Francesco Zanetti of Astano, suffering from tuberculosis, was reportedly suddenly cured after attending Mass at the sanctuary, strengthening the bond between the sacred site and the Faithful of Ticino.

Today, the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Trezzo remains a destination of spirituality and artistic beauty, but also a pleasant summer excursion, ideal for those who wish to combine faith, history, and nature in a panoramic setting of rare beauty.

The church is reached via the Via Crucis, a total of 432 steps and 13 station chapels. Station 14 is the actual sanctuary. From the square in front of the church, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Dumentina Valley and Lake Maggiore.