Sacro Monte di Varese, Varese, Italy

The Sacro Monte di Varese (literally ‘Sacred Mount of Varese’) is one of the nine sacri monti in the Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont which were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It has an altitude of 807 metres above sea-level.

The Sacro Monte of Varese is located a few kilometers from the city and nestled in the regional park Campo dei Fiori. It consists of the Holy Road and the Sanctuary, as well as the small medieval village surrounding the Sanctuary. The Holy Road with its 14 chapels, rise up the mountain to the little village of Santa Maria del Monte and it ends with the Sanctuary (15th chapel) dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The rise is 2 kilometers along on a pebbly path, and every chapel represents one of the Mysteries of Jesus Christ’s life. You can find at the mountaintop the Sanctuary, the Cloister of Monache Romite Ambrosiane, The Museo Baroffio e del Santuario, the Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi, the permanent nativity scene, and different restaurants, bars, a pizzeria, three hotels and a bed & breakfast.

The recently restored Vellone-Sacro Monte funicular operates between a parking lot at the first chapel 'Prima Cappella' and the top of Sacro Monte on Saturdays and Sundays throughout most of the year.

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Vincenzo Prestera (7 months ago)
The Sacro Monte di Varese is one of the nine sacri monti in the Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont which were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2003. It has an altitude of 807 metres above sea level. The route is quite steep but with a bit of good spirit is suitable both for adults and elderly. Once arrived at the top, there are several restaurants and bar. I do recommend a visit at this shrine.

Jenny Lim (9 months ago)
Worth the visit. Allocate at least 2 to 3 hours if you are planning to walk up (instead of taking the funicular). It was fun to peek inside each chapel that's filled with artwork portraying scène from the bible, starting with the birth of Jesus in the manger. If you are starting from the top, it would be the artwork of the 12 apostles.

Piotr Przestrzelski (9 months ago)
Rosary chapels, each has a different architecture and a mystery of Rosary scene. On top, there's a beautiful sanctuary.

Milena “Mil” Korczak (11 months ago)
Super nice place, reachable also for older people with a cable car, and then a nice walk down not too exhausting. The views are amazing and the monastery very unique. Lot of restaurants around. We had the pleasure of the live orchestra concert.

Rafaele Fiorella (2 years ago)
Winding mountain road from Varese, beautiful. Once at the top, park on the street (paid) and set yourself loose to explore this historical UNESCO city. Be generous with alloted time,you will need a few hours to go around. Lot of up and down hill walking, bring comfortable shoes.

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