The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie in Boccadirio is the second most important sanctuary of the diocese of Bologna (after that of San Luca) and is certainly one of the most beautiful and popular in the Bolognese Apennine and is located just few km from Baragazza.
According to the legend, on July the 16th 1480 the Madonna appeared to two local shepherds; she asked them to take monastic vows and to build a temple in her name. The locals promptly answered her requests. The two naves church was built at the end of the XVI century; the exterior was modified in 1770 and at the end of the XIX century. At the end of the XVI century the locals placed a ceramic depicting the Madonna delle Grazie in the church, which is still here today, together with two XVIII century canvases, some terracotta pieces and a collection of ex votos.
Great value has the sacred image by Andrea Della Robbia, a white majolica bas-relief on a blue background which depicts the Madonna and Child standing.
Since 1947 the Dehonian fathers have managed the Sanctuary and welcome pilgrims from all over the world.
The Sanctuary is a stop of the "Via Mater Dei" path.
Map
Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie in Boccadirio
Via Bocca di Rio 22
40035 Castiglione dei Pepoli
