The Madonna del Cervato sanctuary, also known as the Madonna della Neve, is located in Sanza. Since 1993 it has been entrusted with the value of sanctuary and since then every year it fills many of the days of the faithful who pray to Mary and the Lord.
The date of construction is not well defined, the structure certainly dates back to before 1000 and was perhaps brought to light by the "Santa Maria della Neve" Archconfraternity.
The name of Madonna del Cervato is linked to the position in which it is found. In fact, the sanctuary allows you to travel along a steep and complex road that leads to the top of the mountain which bears the denomination of Monte Cervato or Cervati. It is a very high relief, approximately 1800 meters and is the highest in Campania.
The faithful who arrive at the top of the mountain can admire the landscape and with this also the beauty of the small chapel of the Madonna del Cervato. Inside you can see two different spaces, which have undergone two processes in different periods. The innermost part is the one built before 1000, while the other part was built around 1600. The external facade is particular and is covered with local stone.
The Madonna del Cervato sanctuary is not open all year round. The door of the small chapel usually sees the light on the first Sunday of June and can be visited until the second Sunday of October.
The most important event in this period of time is set for July 26, when the pilgrimage takes place from the village of Sanza to the top of the mountain, with the statue of the Madonna della Neve on the shoulders.
On August 5th it is then brought back to the city and with it the feast of the Madonna della Neve del Cervato is celebrated, protector of all the inhabitants of the small Valdianese town.