This sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna della Neve is well-known and highly acclaimed, especially by the people of Acqui, as the Church of the Madonna, making it almost an equal to any basilica or cathedral.

When Acqui was plagued with pestilence in the 18th century, the people sought the intercession of this Madonna and were miraculously saved. Because of this, Msgr. Giovanni Battista Rovera, bishop of Acqui, initiated the construction of a bigger edifice which stands until today.

The feast of the sanctuary is celebrated every August 5, feast of the Madonna della Neve, its titular patroness. And as a continuing tradition, the town’s officials attend the Mass celebrated on this day as an expression of their perpetual gratitude to the Madonna.