The Black Madonna of Oropa

If you are looking for a mysterious and magical place to visit and above all to discover, the Sanctuary of Oropa is the place for you. Art, beauty, and magic come together here, on the top of Mount Oropa, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, in the Biella Prealps at an altitude of 1,159 meters.

This huge religious complex is dedicated to the Black Madonna: a 14th century statue that is said to have worked several miracles and was crowned in 1620. It is a very holy, almost magical place. Coming to this sanctuary in the presence of the Black Madonna brings a sense of peace and goodness, a richness that can only be found in evocative places like this. If you are ready to be carried away by emotions, you will find what is right for you here, and you can touch the history that this sanctuary still has to tell.

Europe and the Black Madonna: a story to be discovered

It is said that the miraculous statue of the Black Madonna was hidden under a boulder by Saint Eusebius to prevent the heretics from taking possession of it and destroying it. Later, the people of Oropa had a chapel built on top of this huge rock.

The Sanctuary is now a destination for pilgrimages and Christian religious tourism, and over the years the architecture of the Sanctuary has been expanded and reached considerable dimensions. Today it is possible to visit the Cloister and the Old Basilica, the New Basilica, the Museum of Treasures, the Royal Apartment and, above all, the Sacro Monte and numerous chapels always dedicated to the Madonna.

The Botanical Garden, a WWF oasis, protects and promotes the knowledge of Alpine flora. The Sanctuary is also an ideal destination for mountain lovers and hikers, since from here it is possible to reach various alpine refuges.

The Sanctuary of the Black Madonna is one of the most precious and unique places to visit. A mix of nature, architecture, history and spirituality, it is a truly unique place of great value, perfect to visit in a weekend in Piedmont and in the province of Biella and ideal to discover new sensations.