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Oratorio di San GiulioThe Oratory of St. Julius (San Maurizio d’Opaglio)
The Oratory of St. Julius alla Fontana is definitely worth a visit: it is situated between the hamlets of Pascolo and Opagliolo, along a slope that leads to the lakeshores: in accordance with the tradition, in this very place Julius himself decided to cross the lake’s waters towards the Island, infested with snakes, where he established his hundredth church. There he stopped in prayers before setting out on his journey and before the miracle of the crossing, when he sailed on his own mantle.
For centuries, the small Oratory has been the destination of many pilgrimages, both in the Saint’s honour and to visit the miraculous fountain which was supposed to nurse sick people and to protect against disease and misfortunes. In accordance with the tradition, Julius himself slaked his thirst to that holy source: in this spot, where the miraculous fountain stood, the small church was established in the Saint`s honour who stopped there and there he embarked on his mission.
In 1573, as far as the pilgrims are concerned, we can’t help referring to St. Carlo Borromeo.
Just on the occasion of this special visit, the small church was enlarged and a front porch with two arches – a front one and a side one – was added, right along the paved path which was build at the beginning of the XVIIIth century.
The façade and the porch are turned eastwards, facing the lake: thus, the access to the porch – along the slope that leads down to the shores – is slightly raised and you can reach it through a step; two more stairs are needed to get to the church`s entrance. In the past, the whole porch, as well as the interior, was frescoed: today, just a sole fresco is left inside, on the bottom wall, portraying the Virgin Mary between the Saints Julius and James.
The interior is really small and plain: a sole room whose ceiling is made of bricks and beams. In 1984, after a spell of neglect - although the pilgrimage to the fountain has never stopped – even the Oratory was renovated. And it really deserved it…
A memorial of a holy past that binds Cusio’s inhabitants to St. Julius veneration; an extremely charming place whose environmental value is increased thanks to its location: just in the middle of a small valley that slopes down to the lake amongst parks and gardens. There you can enjoy a fascinating landscape that ranges over the lakeshores. A place that won St. Julius himself, and that will be able to win the visitor too.
Zone
Il Cusio
Locality
San Maurizio d`Opaglio