Dondena - Sanctuary at Misérin lake

At 2583 meters above sea level, overlooking the clear waters of a mountain lake, stands the sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna delle Nevi, a destination every year for frequent visits and pilgrimages, among which we particularly remember the one relating to the procession on 5 August which starts from parish church of Champorcher. Legend has it that in this remote valley a Roman soldier of the Christian faith belonging to the mythical Theban legion had found refuge, having escaped a terrible massacre thanks to the protection of the Madonna of whom he always carried a statue with him. This same statue was apparently found by some shepherds on the shores of Lake Misérin during the 16th century. Built in the 17th century on the remains of a previous oratory, the sanctuary was then rebuilt in 1880 and equipped with a dormitory for pilgrims; it was then remodeled again after the damage suffered in the Second World War.