Reports Points of interest I have been there Magazine Webcam

Shrine of Machaby

Profile image

Edited by:

Last Visit: 04/02/2018

Introduction

The Sanctuary of Machaby, dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows, is located in the municipality of Arnad in Valle d'Aosta, at an altitude of 696 metres, surrounded by a fascinating chestnut forest. This sacred place, easily accessible via a charming paved mule track, has been a pilgrimage destination and symbol of deep popular devotion for centuries.

Description

The origins of the sanctuary date back to at least 1503, when there was a smaller building than the present-day structure. In 1687, the sanctuary was largely rebuilt, retaining the old presbytery, and enlarged with the addition of the aisles and sacristy in 1689. Later, the bell tower was erected in 1723, and the entrance porch was added in 1735. The present building is characterised by a three-aisle plan separated by stone columns and two pillars near the high altar.
The interior of the sanctuary is richly decorated and tells stories of faith and devotion. The walls are covered with numerous votive offerings, including many sticks and crutches left by believers who attributed miraculous healings to Our Lady. The 17th-century high altar, with its four smooth columns with a twisted base, once held an extraordinary wooden statue of the Madonna, now kept in the parish church of Arnad. In the side naves are two 18th-century altars, while the presbytery is decorated with 19th-century frescoes by the Artari brothers of Verrès. Noteworthy is the stone pulpit, probably dating back to the 17th century.
Behind the sanctuary, fifteen niches house the Mysteries of the Rosary, frescoed in a cycle illustrating significant moments in the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. In the forecourt are a stone cross and statues of St. Grato and St. Jerome. Two large 19th-century buildings, originally intended to welcome pilgrims, also stand near the churchyard.
In addition to its architectural beauty, the sanctuary is shrouded in traditions and legends. One popular story tells of a miracle in which Our Lady of the Snows helped a group of prisoners escape from a cave where they were trapped by demonic creatures. Every year, on 5 August, on the feast day of Our Lady of the Snows, a procession and Holy Mass are celebrated, renewing the strong devotion that binds the faithful to this place.
The Sanctuary of Machaby is not only a spiritual landmark, but also a place rich in history. During the Napoleonic siege of 1800, the mule track leading to the sanctuary was used by the French Reserve Army to bypass the Bard Fortress. Nearby you can also visit the Fort of Machaby, a small outpost built to reinforce the valley's defence system.
A visit to the sanctuary offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere, where faith, nature and history are harmoniously intertwined. The beauty of the place and the richness of its traditions make it an ideal destination for those wishing to discover the Aosta Valley through its cultural and spiritual roots.

Information

Collections