Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie

The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie (Santuario di Nostra Signora delle Grazie) is a small yet deeply significant Marian place of worship located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini in Bogliasco.

Dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, the sanctuary represents an enduring expression of popular devotion, gratitude, and faith rooted in the historical experiences of the local community.

Although modest in architectural scale, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie holds substantial historical, religious, and cultural value.

Its origins are closely linked to one of the most traumatic events in Ligurian history – the devastating plague of the 17th century – and its subsequent transformations reflect both changes in urban development and the persistent Marian devotion of the faithful.

The sanctuary also preserves a noteworthy collection of votive offerings, making it an important testimony to centuries of lived religious experience in Bogliasco.
 

Short History of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie

The origins of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie are traditionally associated with the aftermath of the plague of 1657, one of the most catastrophic epidemics to strike the region of Liguria.

This outbreak caused widespread mortality and profoundly affected coastal and inland communities alike, leaving a lasting mark on local religious consciousness.

According to documented historical sources, the chapel was probably built shortly after the 1657 plague, as an act of devotion to Our Lady of Grace, a Marian title closely associated with divine mercy and intercession.

The earliest written confirmation of the sanctuary’s existence dates to 1685, in a text signed by a parish priest. This document explicitly attests that the chapel was already standing by that time, providing solid historical evidence of its presence in the late 17th century.

With the construction of a new provincial road in the vicinity during the early 19th century, the original location of the sanctuary became unsuitable for continued use.

As a result, the chapel was rebuilt in 1817 in its current position along Via Giuseppe Mazzini.

A further important phase in the sanctuary’s history occurred in the early 20th century. On April 26, 1925, a new building was inaugurated on the same site, following a project by the engineer Pietro Luxoro.

On the occasion of the 1925 inauguration, the sanctuary was enriched with a new altar, generously donated by the Bigatti family.
 

Art of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie

Despite its small size, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie preserves an artistic heritage of considerable devotional importance.

At the heart of the sanctuary’s interior is a painting on wood depicting the Virgin Mary, attributed to an unknown author.

In addition to the Marian image, the sanctuary houses a substantial collection of votive offerings (ex voto), donated by believers over the centuries.

Among the votive paintings preserved inside the sanctuary are four works by Domenico Gavarrone, whose contributions reflect the continuation of this tradition into the modern era.

His paintings are characterized by direct, narrative compositions that depict moments of danger or illness resolved through the intercession of Our Lady of Grace.

The collection also includes two votive paintings by Berto Ferrari. Another notable contribution is a votive painting by Piero Bozzo, which testifies to the persistence of Marian devotion even in more recent times.

How to Get to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie

The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie is located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini, within easy walking distance of the town center. The sanctuary lies approximately 700 meters from the Bogliasco railway station, corresponding to about 12 minutes on foot.

Bogliasco is served by the Genoa-La Spezia railway line, which provides convenient connections to Genoa and other towns along the Ligurian coast.

From the station, visitors can reach the sanctuary by walking through residential streets and central areas of the town, offering a glimpse into everyday life in this Ligurian community.
 
Sources:

• Wikipedia.it