Introduction
Description
Departure on foot from the Magnet Tower in [[Lanzo Torinese]] (1h30')
Introduction
The Sanctuary of Sant'Ignazio is the largest and best known of the Lanzo Valleys, both for its spectacular location and for the intense religious life that animates it: in particular, the scenic reasons make it one of the most popular destinations for tourists.
Whether one arrives from the plain or from the valley floor, the sanctuary appears soaring from afar, perched on the cliff on which it was built: on clear winter days, when the climate transforms the valleys into foggy fiords, the temple shines bathed in sunlight and truly seems to be an integral part of Mount Bastia. Thanks to its dominant position, from the terrace below the church one can enjoy a breathtaking view that embraces the Alpine chain and sweeps over most of the Valleys.
The Sanctuary of Sant'Ignazio, still today a destination for retreats and spiritual exercises, was born out of popular religiosity but was soon favoured above all by the high clergy and the Turin bourgeoisie, as is also testified by the rich collections of ex-votos in which, for once, not naive scenes of peasant life prevail but images of an urban and affluent society, albeit one harassed by very similar anxieties and maladies.
Architectural Description
The original chapel dates back to 1629 and its foundation is linked to the fame that Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, acquired in the Lanzo Valleys area, especially thanks to the work of Don Teppato, parish priest of Mezzenile at the time.
In 1727, the Jesuits replaced the chapel with a larger church, able to accommodate the ever-growing number of devotees. In 1807, after various ups and downs, following a proposal by the Archbishop of Turin Giacinto della Torre, the sanctuary also became a house for spiritual exercises: alongside its traditional function as a place of popular devotion, this new, fruitful activity was added to its fortunes.
The present building shows the three successive phases of construction, most easily visible in the retreat house. The attribution of the project is unclear: it is assumed that Giacomo Fontana, an architect and master builder who had worked for the Jesuits in Cuneo, provided the drawings, while Bernardo Antonio Vittone is thought to have been involved in the high altar.
The structure has a central cross-shaped plan: the façade, elegant in its simplicity, has recently been restored: the portal, on which the Jesuit coat of arms is carved, and the overlying fresco depicting the miracle of the apparition of St Ignatius are remarkable.
Of particular interest inside are the two Baroque confessionals with the Jesuit coat of arms engraved on the panels, which were stolen in 1958.
The processional car, a complex of wooden statues depicting the apparition of Saint Ignatius and originally placed on the top of Mount Bastia, protrudes a few metres from the floor: in 1967, to leave more space for the altar, this portion of the rock was moved to the rear of the church, but this failed to achieve the scenographic effect desired by the designers, according to whom the light from the side windows was to illuminate the statue.
Festivities
The feast of the sanctuary takes place on 31 July, with great participation by the faithful and visitors.
External links
www.canavese-vallilanzo.it
Information sheet
Altitude: 590 m
Location: Pessinetto
Telephone and Fax: 0123.50.41.56
Cell: 349.83.73.075
Website:
www.santuariosantignazio.it
E-Mail: info@santuariosantignazio.it
