The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Col De’ Venti stands at 750 meters above sea level, about 4 kilometers from the town of Muccia. It can also be reached on foot via a very picturesque country path.

The construction of the church is linked to the story of a miraculous event. Following a plague that struck the area of Camerino, the entire Duchy was plundered by bands of Landsknechts. Two German pilgrims—perhaps repentant mercenaries—decided to save an image of the Madonna and Child, taking it with them to Rome. The painting of the Madonna is believed to date back to the 14th century and is attributed to Bittarelli da Venanzo, a native of Camerino.

When the pilgrims reached the hill, the sacred image suddenly became very heavy, and due to the strong winds, they were unable to go any further. They entrusted the painting to some shepherd girls, who placed it in the church of the Castle of Muccia. However, during the night the painting disappeared and was miraculously found again at the same place where the girls had met the two Germans. This was interpreted as a sign that the Madonna and Child were to be venerated there. Thus, in 1529 a small chapel was built on the nearby ridge known as Colle dei Venti (“Hill of the Winds”). Later, in 1894, the faithful of Muccia and several local dignitaries built the present church on the exact spot where the original chapel once stood.

The seismic events that struck central Italy in 2016 damaged the church, which is currently unfit for use.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Col De’ Venti lies along the Franciscan Path of the Marche.