Church of St. Vigilius in Cortaccia: Faith, Art, and Mystery Among the Hills of the Lower Adige Valley

In the heart of the picturesque village of Cortaccia, along the Wine Road, rises one of the most fascinating churches in the Lower Adige area: the Parish Church of St. Vigilius. It is not just a place of worship but a concentration of art, ancient history, and deep spirituality. Its stones tell of distant times, while a mysterious event from the 18th century continues to draw both the faithful and the curious from near and far.

Ancient Origins and Captivating Architecture

First mentioned in a document from 1337, the church features a Romanesque bell tower that still preserves its original charm. Inside, however, lies an even rarer treasure: a baptismal font dated 1033—one of the oldest religious artifacts in the area.

In the 16th century, the building underwent major reconstruction, during which a vault in sandstone was added. In 1515, Cortaccia was granted the title of parish, and from then on the church became the spiritual heart of the community.

Between Gothic and Baroque: An Altar That Tells a Story

The main altar, built in the Late Gothic style, dates back to 1850, but it is crowned by a Baroque altarpiece depicting the martyrdom of St. Vigilius, the church’s patron saint and bishop of Trento, martyred in the 4th century. It is an intense and moving work, conveying the profound meaning of sacrifice and faith.

The Miracle of the Weeping Painting

What truly makes this church unique is the legend of the Weeping Madonna. On November 28, 1733, an imperial soldier visiting a farmhouse in Cortaccia noticed, during the recitation of the Rosary, a tear running down the face of the Madonna painted in an oil portrait. The same phenomenon reportedly occurred again sometime later.

The event was deemed so extraordinary that the parish priest requested the intervention of the bishop, who sent an official commission. Although no definitive explanation could be given, the painting was declared miraculous. On July 17, 1738, it was placed on display in the parish church and has since become an object of veneration, attracting numerous pilgrimages every year.

A Place Where Time Stands Still

Visiting the Church of St. Vigilius in Cortaccia means stepping back in time—and forward in spirit. Here, art and faith blend together, and among ancient stones, precious paintings, and mysterious stories, one can experience something deeply intimate and genuine. Whether you are a believer or a lover of art and history, this church will move you—it speaks directly to the heart, in the voice of silence and wonder.