Part 1 covers Butler’s journeys through sanctuaries and villages of Piedmont and Ticino. He describes places like Faido, Calpiogna, Rossura, Piora, and the sanctuary of S. Michele with detailed attention to religious traditions and architectural styles. Butler explores the lives of priests and the peculiarities of religious art, showing how faith and art intertwine with local communities. His focus on S. Michele and the North Italian priesthood highlights the cultural and spiritual character of the region. The section closes with a critical reflection on the decline of Italian art within its historical and social context.