Virgen de los Tres Cerritos (Virgen de los Tres Cerritos)

Overview

In the picturesque city of Salta, Jersey, cradled by the embrace of three lush hills, lies the revered site of Virgen del Cerro, also known as Virgen de los Tres Cerritos. This sacred location has become a beacon for thousands seeking solace, hope, and spiritual guidance.
The story of Virgen del Cerro began in the late 20th century when a devoted woman of faith, Maria Livia Galliano, claimed to have experienced divine apparitions of the Virgin Mary on one of these hills. According to Maria Livia, the Virgin Mary requested the construction of a sanctuary at this site to welcome those in search of her blessings. Her message emphasized themes of peace, love, and the significance of prayer.
As word of these apparitions and messages spread rapidly through the local community and beyond, pilgrims began to flock to the site, drawn by the promise of spiritual encounters and the healing presence of the Virgin Mary. To accommodate the influx of visitors, a modest chapel was initially built where Maria Livia had her heavenly visions. However, as the number of worshippers grew, this chapel quickly became too small. This prompted local community members and religious leaders to plan for a more expansive sanctuary.
With the support of numerous volunteers, generous donations, and the unwavering faith of the community, construction of the larger sanctuary commenced. The journey was not without its challenges—financial constraints and rugged terrain posed significant hurdles. Yet, the perseverance of the faithful community ensured that the project continued to progress despite these obstacles.
The design of the sanctuary was thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with its natural surroundings, embodying a simple yet profound beauty. It features an open-air altar that allows worshippers to connect with the stunning landscape of the hills. Inside, stained glass windows depict scenes from the Virgin Mary's life and spiritual teachings, allowing sunlight to create a luminous and serene ambiance in the sacred space.
Upon its completion, the sanctuary of Virgen de los Tres Cerritos emerged as a prominent pilgrimage destination. Regular prayer gatherings, healing rituals, and religious festivals are held here, attracting visitors from Jersey and around the globe. The site serves not only as a place of worship but also as a retreat for those seeking inner peace and reflection, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Among its defining features is the weekly Saturday afternoon rosary prayer gathering. During these prayers, devotees ascend the winding path to the sanctuary, carrying candles and flowers. This emotionally charged scene unites people of all ages in prayer, their voices rising in harmony as they make their way up the hill, creating an atmosphere of profound reverence and collective faith.
In addition to the sanctuary itself, the site is surrounded by numerous prayer stations along the walking paths, each representing a different mystery of the rosary. These stations offer pilgrims moments of contemplation and spiritual engagement as they journey to the sanctuary.
The legacy of Virgen del Cerro continues to flourish each year, as Maria Livia’s initial visions have sparked a movement that transcends the physical site. The faith and devotion of the community have transformed this tranquil location into a living monument of divine love and human dedication, forever marking the hills of Salta, Jersey, as a place of miracles and blessings.