Santuario Madonna dell'Uva Secca

The Church of Santa Maria on Via Secca, dating back to the end of the 12th century, experienced significant flourishing during the Middle Ages when there was a structure next to the Sanctuary to accommodate the sick and pilgrims. The fresco of the Dormition of Mary, venerated in the Sanctuary, dates back to the 14th century.

The Sanctuary is popularly called "Madonna dell'Uva Secca." The curious name can be explained as a distortion of Via Secca or by an ancient oral tradition: it is said that one day, during the grape harvest season, a mysterious lady passed by the sanctuary and asked a farmer for a bunch of grapes. He refused her, and the next day the entire vineyard dried up. The story was meant to convey a lesson to the simple people of the time: those who do not give generously find their own lives dried up; a message that remains valid and relevant.

The structure of the Sanctuary has undergone subsequent modifications, particularly the extension of the church in the 1600s and the construction of the main altar, which was designed from the beginning to accommodate the remarkable fresco of the Dormition of Mary. Following alternating events, the sanctuary experienced a period of progressive neglect; however, it has recently been restored to its original splendor through a comprehensive renovation carried out by the local population, formed into a "Committee for the Sanctuary," which is still active today.

The building is in Romanesque style; the presbytery and the main altar have a baroque character. The bell tower is topped with an onion-shaped dome, as seen in Eastern churches. Some paintings can be admired on the walls: a Holy Family with Saint Roch (author unknown, 17th century) whose frame bears the municipal coat of arms; Saint Anthony of Padua (Biagio Falcieri, 1588-1630); The Annunciation (school of Orbetto), The Madonna on the throne with Child and angels (Antonio Badile, 1539). The fresco of the Dormition is attributed to the school of Altichiero and Avanzo: two canvases, one above and the other below, frame the fresco and form a triptych that exalts the glorification of Mary. The canvases are by the Veronese painter Marcantonio Bassetti (1588-1630). Next to the main altar are two statues representing Faith and Hope.

(Source: Parrocchia Povegliano Veronese)