Oratory of Madonna della Neve in Lari

A short distance from the center of the village of Lari, at the crossroads leading to Capannile, Aiale and Colle, is the Oratory dedicated to the Madonna della Neve (Saint Mary of the Snow).

From historical sources, we glean that the Oratory was erected in 1633, yet even as early as the late 1500s, there was an oratory named Madonna di Valcella, which was enlarged to become the Oratory of today.

The façade features a portico with three arches bearing a refined and impressive Rococo style, while inside there is an ancient image of the Madonna and Child placed above the high altar attributed to Francesco Melani.

It has two side chapels and two holy water fonts, one dating from 1767 and the other of considerable archaeological value carved from a late antique or early medieval marble capital.

Over the years, the Oratory served as a shrine, an object of Marian devotion.

In conjunction with the day on which the Madonna della Neve is honored, being August 5, Lari locals hold religious celebrations and reenact the traditional “Cocomerata” (Watermelon Festival) in the streets surrounding the Oratory.