The Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Benaco, located in Piazza Caduti in Toscolano, is a place of profound worship and great historical and artistic importance. Even if its origins are lost in time, the current building dates back to the 15th century and is found at the back of the Parish Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo.

This sanctuary stands out for the wealth of frescoes from the fifteenth century and later that adorn its walls, revealing the skills and devotion of artists from the period. The heraldic coats of arms belonging to local families who contributed to building the sanctuary and who are buried there, add a further layer of historical meaning and connect the building to the social and political events of the area.

An element of specific historical and artistic interest in the sanctuary is represented by the four columns in the middle of the churchyard. These columns were part of a ciborium from the late Middle Ages or romanesque period, demolished at the orders of Cardinal Borromeo in 1580 during a pastoral visit. The reason for its demolition were particularly important: the main altar had a pagan capital above it, depicting Jupiter Ammon in the form of a ram, a symbol that was incompatible with Christian symbolism.

This element not only enhances the visual context of the sanctuary, it also opens a window on the complexity of religious practices and cultural influences that are woven into the local history. 

Today, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Benaco is a spiritual focus for the community and a site of great interest to visitors, with its unique combination of art, history and faith, which continue to inspire and educate those who step through its doors.

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