Sanctuary of N.S. delle Grazie San Bernardino
A historic sanctuary featuring a striking ossuary and rich religious art, set in a picturesque seaside village.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Feast of Madonna delle Grazie
Sanctuary of N.S. delle Grazie San Bernardino
Best Time
Feast of Madonna delle Grazie
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic sanctuary featuring a striking ossuary and rich religious art, set in a picturesque seaside village.
"A unique and historically significant site with a striking ossuary and beautiful religious art."
🚶♀️ Staircase Access
The sanctuary is accessed via a staircase, which may be inconvenient for those with mobility issues. :wheelchair:
📅 Feast Day Magic
Visiting on September 8th for the Madonna delle Grazie feast is a must for a vibrant cultural experience. :confetti_ball:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ossuary
San Bernardino alle Ossa
A striking room adorned with thousands of human skulls and bones, offering a unique glimpse into historical funerary practices.
Church of San Bernardino
Main church area
A single nave church with a cross vault, featuring sculpted choir stalls and significant paintings by various artists.
Madonna delle Grazie Altar
First altar on the right
Home to a 16th-century panel depicting Santa Margherita da Cortona and a special display during the feast of Our Lady of Grace.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unique Atmosphere
Plan Your Visit Around Local Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Staircase Access
The sanctuary is accessed via a staircase, which may be inconvenient for those with mobility issues. :wheelchair:
📅 Feast Day Magic
Visiting on September 8th for the Madonna delle Grazie feast is a must for a vibrant cultural experience. :confetti_ball:
Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa (Milan, Italy)
🎨 Art Lover's Gem
Admire the rich collection of paintings and sculpted choir stalls inside the church. :art:
🚤 Accessible by Boat
Consider arriving by boat for a scenic approach to this beautiful seaside village sanctuary. :boat:
Ossuary of the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa Milano
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Staircase Access
The sanctuary is accessed via a staircase, which may be inconvenient for those with mobility issues. :wheelchair:
📅 Feast Day Magic
Visiting on September 8th for the Madonna delle Grazie feast is a must for a vibrant cultural experience. :confetti_ball:
🎨 Art Lover's Gem
Admire the rich collection of paintings and sculpted choir stalls inside the church. :art:
🚤 Accessible by Boat
Consider arriving by boat for a scenic approach to this beautiful seaside village sanctuary. :boat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Sanctuary of San Bernardino alle Ossa to be a unique and historically significant site, particularly for its striking ossuary. The church's artwork and the vibrant Madonna delle Grazie feast are also highly praised. However, accessibility via stairs is a noted drawback for some.
"The church was built by monks of San Colombano. During the Napoleonic period some religious orders were suppressed and the monks sent away. The church, the convent with the library and the monastic archive were thus abandoned.
To date, the convent has been transformed into a private residence while maintaining the cloister and refectory in its total integrity. The church has a beautiful staircase surrounded by olive trees and is in Gothic style. It is made up of a single nave with a cross vault. The choir was sculpted and inlaid by Friar Paolo da Recco between 1496 and 1501. Among well-preserved works we find a painting of Mary.
In the first altar on the right side is the panel from the Tuscan pictorial school depicting Santa Margherita da Cortona, dating back to the first half of the 16th century; in the third altar on the left the Miracle of San Venerio by Giovanni Battista Casoni; in the next one a Madonna and Child with saints, perhaps attributable to the painter Domenico Fiasella; the large painting portraying Saint Francis begging for forgiveness from Assisi is the work of Domenico Piola.
There are also frescoes in the refectory, depicting, among other things, the Crucifixion of Jesus; the work has been attributed to Nicolò Corso dating back to 1446 and 1503. The church is very beautiful and is located in a very beautiful seaside village!"
Rosanna “Rosy” Rosy
"The Church is cute, small and intimate. Today, September 8th, like every year, the Madonna dele Grazie is celebrated, an event not to be missed if you are in the surrounding area. For the occasion, two long red drapes are displayed on the altar with countless gold objects representing the graces received."
Daniela Zignego
"A place I hold dear to me, even recent ones. One of the most important Marian places of worship in Liguria. On September 8th, the feast of Our Lady of Grace, which is located in the church, is celebrated.
A visit not to be missed."
Studio Legale avv. Anna Maria Di Palma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located in a seaside village and is accessible by car, bus, or boat. The approach involves a staircase, which is noted as inconvenient for disabled individuals.
While parking is available, the sanctuary is also accessible by public transport and boat, offering scenic arrival options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding ticket prices or entry fees is not readily available, but it is generally considered a place of worship and historical interest. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire upon arrival.
Specific opening hours are not widely published. However, as a place of worship, it is likely open during daylight hours, with potential closures for services or during specific events.
The sanctuary is accessed via a staircase, which is noted as inconvenient for disabled people.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The most striking feature is the ossuary, a room decorated with thousands of human skulls and bones, a practice stemming from cemetery space limitations in the 13th century.
The church boasts a single nave with a cross vault, featuring a sculpted and inlaid choir, and several notable paintings including works attributed to Tuscan pictorial school, Giovanni Battista Casoni, Domenico Fiasella, Domenico Piola, and Nicolò Corso.
Yes, it is a significant Marian place of worship in Liguria, particularly known for the feast of Our Lady of Grace celebrated annually on September 8th.
The feast on September 8th is a major event where two long red drapes are displayed on the altar, adorned with gold objects representing graces received by devotees.
One review mentioned that the ceiling would need urgent restoration, suggesting ongoing preservation efforts might be underway or needed.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies are not explicitly stated, but it's generally advisable to be respectful in places of worship. Capturing the unique ossuary and the artwork would be a highlight.
The exterior offers views of the bay and port, while the interior showcases the ossuary and the various paintings and architectural details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a more universally appealing experience, consider visiting during the Feast of Madonna delle Grazie on September 8th, which offers a lively cultural event.
🏛️ History & Art Enthusiasts
Delve into the history of the monastic orders that once inhabited the convent and explore the artistic styles present in the various paintings and frescoes. The Feast of Madonna delle Grazie also provides a cultural context to the sanctuary's enduring significance.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. The accessibility via boat can also add an adventurous element to your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Ossuary
Visiting the ossuary offers a profound and often unsettling experience. The walls are lined with carefully arranged human skulls and bones, creating a visually striking and thought-provoking display. While it might not be for everyone, it's a significant historical and cultural element of the sanctuary that draws many visitors seeking unique travel experiences. The atmosphere is one of solemn reflection, encouraging contemplation on life and death.
Artistic Treasures Within the Sanctuary
The altars and walls are adorned with various paintings, showcasing different artistic periods and styles. Notable works include a panel depicting Santa Margherita da Cortona from the Tuscan pictorial school, the 'Miracle of San Venerio' by Giovanni Battista Casoni, and pieces potentially attributable to Domenico Fiasella and Domenico Piola. The refectory also features frescoes, including a 'Crucifixion of Jesus' attributed to Nicolò Corso.
The Feast of Madonna delle Grazie
This celebration transforms the sanctuary into a vibrant hub of religious devotion and community gathering. For travelers interested in experiencing authentic local culture and religious practices, timing a visit around September 8th is highly recommended. The atmosphere is described as very suggestive and is an event not to be missed if you are in the surrounding area.
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