A place of faith, near the Dolomites - Italy

Hello, dear friends of this wonderful community!

It's been a while since I last shared a post here, but I've been quite busy with my holidays, during which I visited several places that I'd like to share with you.
One of the places that struck me the most is undoubtedly the Sanctuary of Pietralba, a beautiful gem nestled in the Dolomites. It is located at an altitude of over 1,500 meters, between the towns of Nova Ponente and Monte San Pietro.

I had heard about this place before, but I had never had the chance to see it in person. Since I happened to be nearby while visiting a friend who was on vacation, I took the opportunity to visit this very suggestive site, which is not only architecturally impressive but also holds significant religious importance for many people.
There's a legend behind this sanctuary that I want to share with you. It is said that in 1553, the Virgin Mary appeared to a hermit who lived in the area. The story goes that a miracle occurred when the hermit, who lived off farming, stumbled along his path, and the Virgin Mary saved him from almost certain death.

In gratitude for this miracle, the hermit built a small chapel, which later, when the monks arrived, was transformed into an increasingly beautiful church. By 1918, it had become a magnificent sanctuary and an important center for pilgrims from around the world.

The main altar inside the sanctuary, which I had the chance to see, is decorated with gold leaf.

During the period of Habsburg rule, the sanctuary unfortunately fell into ruin and even became a stable. However, it was later restored and is now open year-round, offering a refuge of peace and meditation for pilgrims from all over the world.

In conclusion, I was very impressed by the architecture of this place, and until a few years ago, I didn't even know it existed. If you ever pass by, it's definitely a place worth visiting. I hope my photos have brought you there in spirit.

Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in my next post!