'Madonna della Neve' Sanctuary

The Sanctuary dedicated to "Our Lady of Sorrows and the Snow" stands out on top of the hill of Moncucco which overlooks the town of Santo Stefano Belbo to the north.
Surrounded by historic vineyards of Moscato grapes, the sanctuary was erected in the early eighteenth century and is said to have been built after a prodigious snowfall. The first written evidence dates back to 1728, while in 1877 the building was restored and enlarged. The church has a rectangular plan, made of brick. Inside, behind the wooden altar and above the tabernacle, there is the niche of Our Lady of the Snow.
Every year on August 5th the anniversary of the Virgin of the Snow is celebrated, preceded by a novena in her honor. In particular, on the evening of August 4, it is from the Sanctuary that the signal for the lighting of bonfires starts, illuminating the surrounding hills with highly suggestive effects. The sanctuary park is also an extraordinary panoramic viewpoint with sight over the Langhe and the beautiful vineyard hills, a UNESCO world heritage Site.