Santuario di Nostra Signora della Guardia
Tortona, IT
The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Guardia was built between 1926 and 1931 by order of Don Luigi Orione on the site of the church of the Madonna delle Grazie in 1000, which was run by the Benedictines and later the Franciscans. In 1418, Bernardino of Siena, who gave his name to the village, preached in front of the church. In 1585, a four-sided "pillar" or tabernacle was built on the site of the original church, which was in an advanced state of decay. In the 17th century, a larger sanctuary was built around the "pillar". In 1662, the Franciscans were replaced by the Augustinians, until 1802, when they were suppressed by Napoleon.