Nus Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Cuney
Heavenly shrine at high altitude
Located at 2,656 meters at the foot of the majestic Becca del Merlo, Cuney is an enchanting place of spirituality. It is the highest shrine in Europe, captivating worshippers and visitors for centuries.
Its history is rooted in the past, when a blessed spring attracted pilgrims from Saint-Barthélemy and Nus during periods of severe drought.
A legend tells of a statue of Our Lady, found by shepherds and taken away, but mysteriously returned to Cuney: a place of worship was to be built.
The chapel was built in 1656 and consecrated in 1659. The shrine houses an 1825 painting of Curta and a statue of the Virgin and Child, flanking the patronal feast on August 5. How to reach it. From the esplanade in the locality of Porliod begins Trail No. 11B, which climbs through high-altitude meadows and woods to the plateau downstream of the Tsa de Fontaney. Here, we join trail No. 11 that takes us to the Lignan Alp, from where we turn right to reach the Col du Salvé. We continue along the same route, which, after a short time , joins the route of the high route No. 1 and climbs to the refuge and the Sanctuary of Cuney.
