Sacro Monte di Varese is one of the nine sacred mountains (sacri monti) belonging to the Lombardy and Piedmont regions of Italy. The Sacro Monte di Varese lies on Mount Velate, located near the town of Varese in Northern Italy.
The Sacro Monte di Varese, which translates to “Sacred Mountain of Varese,” is a hill complex consisting of 14 chapels, each dedicated to a different event from the life of Jesus Christ, the Shrine, and the Crypt. In 2003, the Sacro Monte di Varese was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with several other Sacri Monti across Italy.
Brief History
The origins of the Sacro Monte di Varese trace back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Between 1604 and 1698, the Sacred Route (via Sacra) was constructed under the direction of Capuchin father Giovanni Battista Aguggiari, who proposed building fourteen chapels representing the sequence of the Rosary. The architect Giuseppe Bernascone, also known as “Il Mancino” was responsible for designing the entire religious complex.
Many renowned artists, like Stefano Maria Legnani (Il Legnanino), Dionigi Bussola, and Giovanni Ghisolfi, contributed to the creation of the frescoes adorning the chapels. Additionally, the purpose of Sacro Monte at the time was to spread the Catholic faith to local people as a way of combating the growing influence of the protestant reformation.
How to get to Sacro Monte di Varese
Sacro Monte di Varese is located in the province of Varese which is in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Varese, also called the garden city (citta giardino), is situated to the north of Milan and the west of Como. Sacro Monte of Varese is a few km away from the city of Varese in the comune of Santa Maria del Monte and is nestled in the regional park Campo dei Fiori (Field of Flowers).
By Air
Although Varese does have an airport, Varese-Venegono Airport, it does not see commercial flights and is mainly used by Aeroclub Varese and the Italian aerospace company Leonardo. Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate are the closest airports to Varese, Italy. There are train connections from Malpensa Airport to Varese.
By Train
Stazione di Varese, or Varese FS, is the main train station of Varese followed by the Varese Nord railway station. Since Milan is the closest major city to Varese, there are several trains connecting the two cities throughout the day. There are direct trains to Varese from the Milano Porta Garibaldi and Milano Cadorna train stations. Learn more about the Milan train stations and find out how to reach them with the Milan train stations guide
. The train journey takes between 50 to 75 minutes from Milan to Varese. There is also the TILO train service connecting the Milan Malpensa Airport to Varese.
Trainline
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By Car
The Autostrada A8 connects Varese and Milan. Take the exit to Varese Centro when on the A8 motorway. If you are traveling from the Piedmont region towards Varese, take the A26 motorway to Gallarate and then the connection to the A8 motorway and the exit to Varese. Instead, if you are starting from Como, take the state road SS342 to reach Varese. The first chapel at Via Prima Cappella is a 15-minute drive from the Varese city center.
By Bus
To reach Sacro Monte from the Varese city center, take the bus line C which operates between Bizzozero and Sacro Monte. The bus goes right up to the village until Piazzale Pogliaghi, so ensure to alight at the Prima Cappella stop if you wish to walk your way up. A single ticket lasting 90 minutes costs 1.60€ at the time of this writing. Tickets can be bought onboard the bus using a card or cash (ensure to have the right amount, as the machine may not return the change).
By Funicular
The Vellone-Sacro Monte funicular connects the Vellone station with Santa Maria del Monte. You can reach the Vellone station using the bus line C. The funicular runs every 10 minutes and the travel time is 2 minutes. As of this writing, the funicular operates only on Saturdays and holidays between 10 AM to 6 PM and is free of cost. The facility was only recently re-opened, so be sure to verify its availability from the official website before making your plans.
Architecture
Through a harmonious blend of architectural structures and landscape, Sacro Monte di Varese honors the prayer of the Rosary through a monument. As the Holy Road with the 14 chapels winds its way up the mountain, it culminates with a chapel dedicated to Mother Mary known as the Sanctuary (15th chapel) at Santa Maria del Monte. The rise is 2 kilometers along a wide and cobbled path, and every chapel represents one of the mysteries of the Rosary.
The architectural style of the Sacro Monte is characterized by a blend of Renaissance and Baroque influences. The design aims to create an integration of religious devotion and artistic expression. The frescoes inside the chapels are the heart of Sacro Monte’s artistic expression. These intricate paintings depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, from the Annunciation to the Resurrection. The artwork is rich in color, detail, and emotional depth, providing a visual narrative of the biblical stories.
Each chapel is uniquely designed to match the theme it represents. For example, the Chapel of the Annunciation (1st chapel) features a dome with a lantern, while the Chapel of the Ascension (12th chapel) has a tall, slender spire. The facades of the chapels are adorned with decorative elements, columns, and pilasters that reflect the artistic trends of the time.
Chapels Trail of Sacro Monte di Varese
The Sacro Monte of Varese is located on a hill, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Varese and the Alps. Since Sacro Monte di Varese is one of nine sacred mountains, it offers a pilgrimage experience to its visitors. The integration of nature into the pilgrimage experience adds to its spiritual ambiance.
As visitors ascend the hill on the 2 km-long cobblestone route, they follow the path of Christ’s journey to Calvary. The physical effort of climbing mirrors the spiritual and emotional journey of Christ’s Passion. For instance, the 1st Chapel depicts the Annunciation, in the 3rd Chapel the Nativity, in the 7th Chapel the Flagellation, in the 10th Chapel the Crucifixion, in the 11th Chapel the Resurrection, and the 15th Chapel the Coronation of the Virgin Mary.
Santa Maria del Monte
The village of Santa Maria del Monte is at the top of Sacro Monte. You can find the Sanctuary or the Shrine of Sacro Monte, the Romanic Crypt, the Convent of Romite Ambrosiane, Baroffio Museum (Museo Baroffio), Pogliaghi House Museum (Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi), and a few bars and restaurants at the village.
The village in some ways is built around the Shrine, and the 15th-century Convent lies next to it. The Baroffio Museum offers a glimpse into the history of Santa Maria del Monte through its historic artifacts and also houses the artworks given by Giuseppe Baroffio. The Pogliaghi House Museum has an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures collected over time by Lodovico Pogliaghi himself. One of Pogliaghi’s most notable works is the design of the bronze door of the Milan Duomo
. Pogliaghi’s inherent interest in all arts resulted in the wide range of artworks found in the House Museum.
Tickets and Operating Hours
The Chapel trail is always open and accessible free of cost. At the time of this writing, the Shrine is open between 7 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM during summer, and in the winter it opens 30 minutes late at 7.30 AM and closes 30 minutes early at 5.30 PM. The visiting room of the Convent is always closed on Fridays but otherwise open daily between 9.30 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM. Check the official website for the latest timings.
Tickets to enter the Baroffio Museum and the Crypt are priced at 7€ on weekdays and 10€ on weekends. The reduced ticket for the same costs 5€ and is applicable for students, young kids, and groups with at least 10 people. The entrance ticket to the Baroffio Museum, Pogliaghi House Museum, and the Crypt is priced at 15€. Children below 4 years of age have free admission. Tickets can be bought at the Baroffio Museum for all the various visits. Ensure to take a look at the Museum’s official website to get the latest opening times and ticket prices.
Conclusion
The Sacro Monte di Varese holds immense religious, cultural, and artistic significance and is a unique destination for travelers seeking a blend of spirituality and history. Whether you are a beginner or an avid hiker, the Chapel trail makes with its wide cobbled paths makes for a nice short hike.
Nature lovers are bound to enjoy the breathtaking and picturesque views along the trail of Sacro Monte leading towards Santa Maria del Monte. A day trip from Milan to Sacro Monte di Varese is a great option due to its proximity.
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