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The hidden history behind the erection of this temple-museum is unique. In a mystical, historical and human journey, the tourist can grasp the purpose for which it was built. A mix of emotions wrapped up in a temple that will leave its mark on visitors
The Oltrepò pavese has many places of worship, but the one we are talking about undoubtedly deserves special attention; it is an absolutely unique place, like the history that characterises it. We are talking about the Temple of the Fraternity in Cella Varzi.
This church was erected amidst the woods and mountains of Cella, a hamlet in the municipality of Varzi, where the man who realised this work was born. Its realisation, without precedent, is thanks to Don Adamo Accosa, a military chaplain and veteran of the Second World War. His wish was to build a church in his home town and he had the idea of collecting the ruins of the conflict to build the temple as a symbol and auspice of a greater reconstruction: that of human brotherhood.
During one of his trips to Paris, Don Adamo Accosa had the great good fortune to meet Monsignor Angelo Roncalli, who later became Pope John XXIII, and after telling him about his project, the future Pontiff, impressed by the wonderful initiative, decided to help him. As a gesture of encouragement, he sent him the first stone, taken from the shattered altar of the Church of Coutances.
This was only the first stone sent to the soldier priest, as many other cities decided to contribute to the erection of the high altar, each sending a ruin of the most significant monument. Some of the cities in question are: Berlin, Dresden, Warsaw, London, Milan, Montecassino, Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
Today, this temple is a veritable museum, as numerous objects from places of the conflict or donated directly by the families of the deceased are preserved.
The realisation of this work was possible thanks to the goodness and simplicity of Don Adamo‘s idea, which won many hearts at a particular moment in history. Many authorities, diplomats, journalists, companies and especially the associations of veterans and combatants from various nations collaborated in the building of this temple-museum.
For those who visit the Oltrepò pavese or for those who live in these parts but have never been here, it is highly recommended to visit this work, immersed in the woods but capable of recounting aspects of the war never seen before, as there are also many war objects from the last world war on the site.
