| The Sanctuary of N.S. della Vittoria is built on a hill 600 meters above sea level in a splendid position overlooking the Valpolcevera and is located alongside the Pertuso pass, the principle road between Genova and Pianura Padana. This mountain pass has always held a strategic role in wars fighting for territorial possession of Liguria. In fact this road has not only been a principle commercial and pilgrimage route, but has also been the turning point in several bloody battles. Of note is a battle that took place on May 10th of 1625, when 80 poorly trained and armed peasants held off an assault of the 7000 strong army of the Carlos Emanuele I, the Duke of Savoia. |
This action was prompted by the Rector of Montanesi, Don Gio Maria Lucchini, who saw in a vision that the Madonna would protect the peasants from all danger. The 80 peasants were able to hold off the army for 10 long hours, until they were reinforced by mercenary soldiers, amongst which was the celebrated and heroic Battino Maragliano, commander of the mercenary army. The Rector attributed the success of the soldiers to the Madonna and in the place of victory, the peasants pledged to erect a Sanctuary in honor of the Virgin. In 1628 Don Lucchini began construction on the church and in 1654. the Sanctuary, the largest church outside of the city, was completed. |
In 1742, Don Serchio a major patron of the sanctuary, lived to see the sack and destruction of the sanctuary by Austrian troops in a war with the Republic of Genova. Don Serchio was not discouraged and vowed to reconstructed the Sanctuary. By 1750 the Church was reconstructed and was enhanced by a new belltower. In 1999, work began on the renovation of the Pilgrim’s house, creating a new hotel to accompany this splendid site. |
