Alpini Sectional Pilgrimage to the Madonna della Carpeneta

A pilgrimage in the heart of the Acqui Monferrato

The Alpini Sectional Pilgrimage to the Madonna della Carpeneta is the spring event that brings together the 'Black Feathers' of the A.N.A. Acqui Terme Section in Montechiaro d'Acqui, a small rural village in the Province of Alessandria, in the heart of Piedmont. Organized in collaboration with the Montechiaro d'Acqui Alpini Group, the event combines the spiritual dimension of a pilgrimage with the memory of the fallen and the strong sense of belonging that defines the Alpine world.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Carpeneta

The destination of the walk is the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Carpeneta, which stands on a hill known as Bric delle Forche, where capital punishments were once carried out. According to tradition, the first building dates back to the medieval period and was erected around a votive pillar; the current Baroque-style church was built in the 17th century and renovated in the 18th. The name Carpeneta is said to derive from the hornbeam tree (known locally as carpo), a plant common in the surrounding woods. A legend tells of the Virgin Mary appearing to a shepherdess near a nearby spring, whose waters were later attributed with miraculous properties.

The day's program

For years, the day has followed a well-established routine that alternates between civic, religious, and social moments:

• Meeting in the afternoon in Piazza Cesare Battisti, in the town center;
• Flag-raising and honors to the fallen in front of the monument;
• Procession along the path leading to the sanctuary;
• Holy Mass celebrated in the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Carpeneta;
• Alpine merenda sinoira, a convivial moment that closes the day.

An event for the whole territory

Although it began as an Alpine sectional gathering, the pilgrimage is open to everyone: Alpini, families, and worshippers from neighboring towns participate in large numbers, drawn by the simplicity of the event and the panoramic view of the Apennines and the upper Monferrato from the hill. It is an opportunity to rediscover a little-known corner of Piedmont, where popular traditions, faith, and the spirit of service of the Alpini blend into a small community celebration.