The Sanctuary of Cuney between nature and spirituality

Where is the Sanctuary of Cuney?

The Sanctuary of Cuney, dedicated to Notre Dame des Neiges (Our Lady of Snow), is located in the municipality of Nus, in the heart of the Saint-Barthélemy valley, one of the most fascinating and unspoiled areas of the Aosta Valley. Situated at an altitude of 2,696 meters, it is known as the highest Marian sanctuary in Europe. Its spectacular location, nestled among the mountains at the foot of Becca del Merlo, offers visitors an atmosphere of peace and spirituality amidst the alpine nature.

What is the origin of the Sanctuary of Cuney?

The birth of the Sanctuary of Cuney is linked to an ancient and suggestive legend. It is said that some shepherds, while they were among the rocks of the Saint-Barthélemy valley, found a statue of the Virgin Mary. They decided to take it to the church in Lignan, a village located further down. However, the statue mysteriously disappeared and was found again in the same place where it had been discovered the first time. For the locals, this was a clear sign: the Madonna wanted a sanctuary dedicated to her to be built in that remote place. Thus, a small oratory dedicated to Our Lady of Snow was born, right next to a spring considered miraculous.

When was the Sanctuary of Cuney consecrated?

The first religious building was consecrated on July 26, 1659, quickly becoming an important spiritual reference point for the valley inhabitants. Since then, the sanctuary has been expanded and restored several times, but it has preserved its original charm and its isolated position among the mountains.

What can be admired inside the Sanctuary of Cuney?

Inside the sanctuary, there is a precious statue of the Virgin with Child, dating back to the 16th or 17th century. It is believed to be contemporary with the construction of the first oratory. The statue, made of polychrome wood, is considered miraculous and has been venerated for centuries by pilgrims who reach this sacred place to ask for protection or to thank the Madonna for the graces received. The interior environment is simple yet welcoming, typical of mountain sanctuaries, where spirituality blends with the strength of the surrounding nature.

When is the patronal feast of Cuney celebrated?

Every year, on August 5, the patronal feast of Our Lady of Snow is celebrated. It is one of the most heartfelt moments in the religious life of the Saint-Barthélemy valley. After the solemn mass, a suggestive procession takes place to the nearby spring, where the processional cross is immersed three times in the water. This symbolic gesture is an ancient tradition that unites faith and gratitude towards nature, recalling the link between water and divine blessing.

How do you reach the Sanctuary of Cuney from Porliod?

The route to reach the Sanctuary of Cuney is a splendid alpine hike, ideal for lovers of the mountains and spirituality. The starting point is the Porliod square, where the paved road from Lignan ends, in the municipality of Nus. From here, you take trail no. 11B, which crosses high-altitude meadows and coniferous forests, cutting across the dirt road several times. After a panoramic stretch, you reach a plateau at the foot of Tsa de Fontaney, where the trail connects to track no. 11, coming from Lignan. Continuing, you arrive at the pasture itself and, turning right, you ascend towards Col du Salvé. From here, the route joins the Alta Via no. 1, one of the most famous treks in the Aosta Valley, which runs alongside a rocky ledge and leads, with one last climb, to the refuge and the Sanctuary of Cuney.

How long does the hike to the Sanctuary of Cuney take?

The travel time varies depending on the pace and terrain conditions, but on average it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours of walking to reach the sanctuary from Porliod. The total elevation gain is about 700 meters, and the trail is well-marked and suitable for hikers with a minimum of experience. It is advisable to bring water, mountain boots, and clothing suitable for the temperature changes typical of high altitudes.

What landscapes can be encountered along the way?

The route offers an extraordinary variety of alpine landscapes: flowering meadows, larch and fir forests, streams and pastures alternating with rocky stretches and spectacular views. As you gain altitude, the panorama opens up to the peaks of Becca del Merlo, Monte Emilius, and Gran Paradiso. On clear days, the view extends to the peaks of Monte Rosa. Along the way, it is possible to encounter ibex, marmots, and golden eagles, making the experience even more exciting.

Can you stay overnight near the Sanctuary of Cuney?

Yes, next to the sanctuary there is a small alpine refuge that welcomes pilgrims and hikers. It is a perfect resting point for those who wish to spend a night at high altitude, admiring the stars and enjoying the silence of the mountain. In the evening, the sky above Cuney offers an incredible astronomical show, thanks to the complete absence of light pollution.

Why visit the Sanctuary of Cuney?

Visiting the Sanctuary of Cuney means experiencing a unique spiritual and natural experience. It is a place that invites reflection and serenity, immersed in a landscape of rare beauty. The path leading to the sanctuary is also a symbolic journey, uniting the effort of the ascent with the gratification of arrival, in a context of absolute peace. Many pilgrims undertake the journey as a moment of meditation and reconciliation, while hikers find in Cuney a destination that combines nature, history, and faith.