Santuario della Madonna del Bosco (Imbersago)

The shrine is located in a green and quiet area just a few steps far from the centre of Imbersago, on the eastern slopes of a hill. From this point, it is possible to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view on the landscape of the Adda’s Valley, Mount Resegone and Mount Grigna.

This is one of the most famous shrines of the Brianza region and Lombardy; it is a renowned centre of pilgrimage and Marian devotion, in particular during 2017-2018, when the centenary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary will be celebrated.

History

The origins of the shrine and the marian compassion date back to the 17th century, due to two events in particular.
The first one consisted in the apparition of the Virgin Mary on a chestnut tree in presence of three little shepherds on 9th May 1617. The Virgin made some beautiful hedgehogs full of chestnuts appear, to feed the starving shepherds. Then, pilgrimages started and soon a little chapel called “the chapel of miracle” was built.
The second event was caused by the liberation of a child from the jaws of a wild wolf, thanks to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

The Shrine

Due to the growing devotion and gratitude of Madonna del Bosco worshippers, the building of the shrine started.
The first part of the building has an octagonal plan, based on the project of engineer Carlo Buzzo and it was opened on 9th May 1646. Then, it was enlarged and garnished in different periods: during 1677 a second octagon based on the project of engineer Francesco Castelli from Perego was built, and at the end of 19th century a third octagon was added: it was formed by an altar mayor designed by engineer G. Santamaria from Milan and a beautiful wooden sculpture of Virgin Mary created by the Nardini Company from Milan.
In 1755 a beautiful stone sculpture of Virgin Mary by Giudici di Viggiù was located in the square.
From 1817 to 1824 the building of the staircase begun. It is composed of 349 steps and at the top of it a majestic monument dedicated to Pope John XXIII, very devoted to the Madonna del Bosco, was located.
Noteworthy are the decoration, paintings, artifacts and the glass windows of the shrine.

Nearby

To those who wish to visit the shrine is it possible to follow a route through other characteristic points of interest in the same area: Cappella del Miracolo – grotta della S. Famiglia – monumento a San Giovanni XXIII – Cappella delle Confessioni – grotta della Madonna di Lourdes – ‘camera’ del beato Cardinale Schuster – Via Crucis nel bosco.

A visit to the “Pope John path”, which goes from the Leonardo’s ferry to the shrine, is recommended.

Itinerari consigliati: Percorsi dell’ingegno