Santuario del Beato Bernardo e Convento dei Cappuccini

This structure stands on the outskirts of Offida and was built when the Capuchin first arrived in the city. Its construction began in 1614 in the very place where the small church devoted to St. Pantaleo once was. In order to transport the building materials resulting from the spoils of the Blessed Bernanrdo Monastery, once situated in the old city, local people found an original and efficient system. They made a space through the eastern castle walls and formed a queue, passing to each other the stones, bricks and wood that were needed. The laying of the foundation with the blessed cross was solemnly celebrated on 14th November 1614. A year later, six friars settled in the eastern part of the monastery which was completed in 1626. In 1800 both the monastery and church were demolished. The present church dates back to 1893 and was built on the design by Brother Angelo from Cassiano in honour of Brother Bernardo who had lived there for years, and died there on 22nd August 1694. The canonical Chapter of the Collegiate Church, like any other local churchman and official authority took part in his burial service. The humble Brother who stood out for his wisdom and his extraordinary love for the poor and needy, was beatified by Pope Pius VI (1717-1799) in 1795, while the great musician Joseph Haidn (1732-1809) wrote the Missa Sancti Bernardi Von Ophida in his honour during a journey to Italy in 1796. One of the statues devoted to him is to be found on a spire of the Milan Cathedral. The church hosts the small chamber of the Blessed Bernardo where the faithful gather in prayer.Along the way approaching the church it is possible to admire a basso rilievo bronze statue devoted to the Blessed Bernardo dating back to 1993 by  local sculptor Aldo Sergiacomi (1912-1994).