The shrine of Madonna della Foppa is the most beloved church in the Brembilla Valley, linked to a deep popular devotion born of Marian apparitions to two young girls from Gerosa in 1558. The peaceful site is home to a simple but striking little church with a Baroque altar, a wooden choir, Marian canvases, ex-votos and ancient family crests. Tradition says that on July 1, 1558, the two little girls, thirsty while grazing their flock, prayed and saw Our Lady appear, who pointed them to a spring of water and asked that a church be built on the spot of the apparition. She also foretold that she would lead them to heaven within eight days, which punctually happened, causing great wonderment among the population. The Gerosians first began construction elsewhere, but mysterious disappearances of materials convinced them to respect the Marian will and build the shrine on the exact spot indicated. The church is already mentioned in the pastoral visit of St. Charles Borromeo in 1575. Today it can be reached from Gerosa by an almost level walk of about half an hour.
In summer months open on Sunday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. for free tours. Possibility of guided tours by reservation also in English.
For information: Pro Loco Val Brembilla
Area tour guides:
Barbara Pesenti Bolò - Phone 335 - 6872421 (Languages spoken: Italian, English)
Elena Gamba - 333-3976186 (Languages spoken: Italian, English, Spanish and German)-
ele.gamba@gmail.com
