Don Bartolomeo, parish priest of Rasiglia, built the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie after seeking permission in 1450. Legend says the chosen spot came about when a statue of the Virgin and Child was found under the Terminara Bridge. Note the small window in the sanctuary’s façade close to the entrance for travellers to look in at the Madonna and pray even if the church was closed. The walls are covered with votive frescoes, the oldest being from 1454 depicting the Madonna with her cloak shielding people from the plague