A tiny statue of Madonna with little Jesus appeared in the early 1500s among the branches of an ash tree, according to popular belief it was invoked by a shepherd who had just been bitten by a snake that did not die. In 1510 a first small church was created on the site of the discovery , then during many years and many miracles the church was enlarged. In 1518 was built a friars convent beside the church who it’s still active. Facade with frescoed portico , above the portico a beautiful rose window completed a very simple facade . Inside with one nave and five chapels for each side, the twos beside the central altar are bigger and protected by beautiful wrought iron gate, the one on the right contain the small statue of Madonna of ash tree with beautiful frescoe by Domenico Morone done on 16th century . Of the same period are the beautiful paintings done by Paolo Farinati and are in the three chapels on the left side, the fourth chapel on the left is decorated by a beautiful painting of Zeno da Verona depicting Saints Peter and John dated 1541. Unusual the central altar with beautiful pipe organ . From a door next to the Madonna’s chapel is possible to enter in the first cloister with frescoes dated 1653 by Pietro Muttoni , the second cloister is also frescoed and all over the walls you can see mani ex voto and pictures of miraculous people .

We went up - you park and walk up about 400 mètres to not only a beautiful Church but a restaurant where the food is worth the walk. Peaceful - no cars- set in the pre alps this is a visit well worth it. The people are very friendly and so helpful. We were there with a one year old and nothing was too much bother or mess. Very reasonable and the quality was superb and the menu was all made by them.