Marian devotion
Our Lady of Oropa
The Black Virgin of the Alps · Biella (Italy)
In the Alps of the Piedmont, on Biella, one of the largest Marian alpine shrines is raised, where an ancient Black Virgin of wood is venerated in the ancient and new basilica.
Origin and history
The legendary tradition attributes the arrival of the image to Saint Eusebio de Vercelli, who in the fourth century would have brought it from the Holy Land to protect it from the arrian persecutions; this deeply rooted narrative lacks documentary confirmation and is considered a devout legend.
Historically, since the Middle Ages, a place of Marian devotion frequented by neighbouring valleys is attested to in Oropa. From the XVI-XVII centuries the sanctuary grew with the ancient basilica, the new and the Holy Mount. The 1620 coronation was a milestone, and by tradition it is renewed every hundred years (1720, 1820, 1920 and 2021).
Is the advocation of the Virgin Mary of your people missing?
Si no encuentras la advocación mariana de tu ciudad o pueblo, cuéntanosla: la investigaremos para ubicarla y darla a conocer en este mapa del amor de la Madre por el mundo.
Propose an apvocation →