Santuario di Oropa - Official

The Oropa Sanctuary is located at 1200 m above sea level and is the most important Marian shrine in the Alps in a natural setting of great beauty, is located 15 Km from the center of Biella

According to tradition, the origin of the sanctuary is to be placed in the fourth century by St. Eusebius, the first bishop of Vercelli. The first written documents that speak of Oropa, dating from the early thirteenth century, report the existence of the primitive churches of Santa Maria and San Bartolomeo, the hermit character, which constituted a fundamental point of reference for viatores (travelers) that passing from the east to the Valle d'Aosta.

The development of the Sanctuary underwent various transformations over time, until you reach the monumental tramutandosi present size from crossing point to the place of destination for pilgrims stimulated by a strong spirit of devotion.

The majestic building is the result of the drawings of the greatest architects of Savoy: Arduzzi, Gallo, Bertrand, Juvarra, Guarini, Galletti, Bonora helped design and contributing to all of the buildings that were developed between the mid-seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. From the primitive chapel imposing Upper Church, consecrated in 1960, the construction and architectural development it has been great. On three squares to the terrace, the complex is based on two great places of worship: the Old Basilica, built in the early seventeenth century and in which we honor the Black Madonna, traditionally reach and hidden by S. Eusebio in Oropa, and the New Church. Complete the monumental buildings structure, cloisters and the majestic staircase that leads to the Porta Regia.

The Oropa Sanctuary is the most important and largest Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary to be found in the Alps. It is located in a unique, natural and unspoilt setting at only 15 minutes drive from the center of Biella.

That historical lore states the Sanctuary was founded in the 4th century AD by St. Eusebius, the first bishop of Vercelli. The first written documents that mention Oropa dates back to the beginning of the 13th century and mention the first simple churches of St. Mary and St. Bartholomew. These served as important reference points for 'viatores' (travelers) who traveled back and forth to the nearby Aosta Valley.

The Sanctuary grew and Has Been developed through the years into a spectacular architectural ensemble of important monumental buildings. This led to a change in the use of Oropa from one of transit to a destination used by pilgrims brought` here by Their strong sense of devotion. The complex is made up of three large courtyards built on three levels and was designed by the great Savoyard architects Arduzzi, Gallo, Bertrand, Juvarra, Guarini, Galletti and Bonora between the mid 17th and 18th centuries finishing with the "Upper Basilica" Which Was consecrated in 1960.

The first courtyard, faced by restaurants, bars, and several shops for the visitors, is Followed by the wide square containing the Ancient Basilica. It can be Reached by the monumental staircase and the Royal Door. The majestic buildings of Oropa sono stati edified in the course of the centuries starting from a core units: the small sacellum of the Black Virgin.