San Martino Sanctuary

Sanctuary of San Martino (St. Martin): A Miraculous View Above Lake Como

The Church of San Martino (St. Martin), also revered as the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace), rises high above the village of Griante. Perched in a spectacular panoramic position, it directly overlooks Bellagio and the heart of Lake Como. Historians date the current sanctuary to the 16th century, a fact confirmed by the pastoral visit of Bishop Feliciano Ninguarda in 1593. The complex is composed of three distinct sections; the oldest parts include an ancient watchtower and a soldiers' shelter, which likely formed a place of worship dating back to Roman times. After centuries of expansion and remodeling—most notably during the 19th century—the building remains beautifully preserved today.

The Legend of Sanctuary of San Martino

The sanctuary's legendary origins are tied to the era of the Great Plague (1627–1630), famously chronicled by Alessandro Manzoni in his masterpiece, The Betrothed. According to local lore, a young shepherdess from Griante discovered a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary hidden within a mountain cave. The villagers moved the statue to the parish church for safekeeping, but the following morning, it had miraculously disappeared—only to be found back on the mountain plateau, gazing out over the lake. Taking this as a divine sign, the community decided to house the statue in the Church of San Martino, where it remains a focal point of devotion to this day.

How to get to Sanctuary of San Martino

The Sanctuary of San Martino is accessible via a scenic uphill walk from Griante. This easy excursion takes less than an hour and follows the historic Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). Upon reaching the sanctuary, visitors are rewarded with a dedicated rest area equipped with tables and benches, perfect for soaking in what is widely considered one of the most beautiful views in the world.