“Mariæ Nascenti” the inscription declares above us. The Edicola di Santa Maria Nascente stands here. It marks the entrance to via Daniele Crespi in Busto Arsizio. This votive shrine has a history tied to both devotion and urban development.
Let’s delve into the story of this unique place.
The exact date of the first chapel’s construction remains a mystery. However, we do know that in 1862 an older sacellum dedicated to the Madonna was demolished. This demolition paved the way for the creation of via Daniele Crespi. It also allowed for the reorganization of piazza dell’Asilo. This square is now known as piazza Trento e Trieste.
Just two years later a new chapel arose. It was thanks to the Consorzio della Madonnina. This lay association was formed around the old sacellum. They sought to honor the Nativity of Mary. Canon Don Luigi Airoldi also supported this endeavor.
Notice how the Edicola di Santa Maria Nascente is incorporated into a larger building. It stands on the corner of via Crespi and the piazza. From the street you can see an iron gate. It encloses the small chapel. Above the gate a tympanum sits atop a trabeation. This is where the inscription “Mariæ Nascenti” is written. Inside the tympanum is a depiction of a saintly bishop. Some believe it to be Saint Barnabas. He was also featured in the old chapel.
Inside the Edicola di Santa Maria Nascente look above the marble altar. You will see depictions of the Virgin and Child. Saints Sebastian and Rocco pay homage to them. These saints were also depicted in the nearby chapel of Sant’Ambrogio in Canton Santo.
At the base of the painting are images related to the plague of 1630. Nearby stood the church of San Gregorio Magno in Camposanto. It was also the location of the village’s leper hospital.
On the side walls you can see other painted saints. To the left are Saint Luigi and Saint Antonio Abate. To the right are Saint Gaetano and Saint Grato. Angels are depicted on the ceiling offering praise. Over time these paintings have suffered from questionable restoration attempts.
However one painting remains intact. It is the tondo in the altar frontal. It depicts the Nativity of Mary. This image offers a glimpse into the original artistry of the Edicola di Santa Maria Nascente.
The Edicola di Santa Maria Nascente is more than just a building. It represents the resilience of faith. It connects to the history of Busto Arsizio. It reminds us of the community’s devotion through times of change. As we leave consider the layers of history and art. They intertwine within this small sacred space the Edicola di Santa Maria Nascente.