- Art & Culture
- Unesco Sites
Baroffio and Sanctuary Museum
Discover one of the museums of Santa Maria del Monte in Varese: A treasure of art bridging history and modernity
Located next to the picturesque Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte, the Museum is a true treasure trove of art that blends past and present with extraordinary harmony. It houses a unique collection ranging from medieval works to contemporary creations, offering an unforgettable cultural experience.
History and Art in One Place
The Museum is distinguished by its simple architecture, which conceals an intricate interior spread over three floors. Bright rooms dedicated to 20th-century art alternate with fascinating ancient chambers, preserving 15th-century frescoes and other sacred art treasures.
The symbol of the Museum is the renowned Madonna with Child by Domenico and Lanfranco da Ligurno, a prime example of Lombard medieval sculpture. This icon dates back to 1196 and represents the first depiction of the Virgin venerated at this site of millennial devotion.
A Rich Artistic Heritage
The Museum also owes its richness to the generosity of Giuseppe Baroffio Dall’Aglio, who contributed to the construction of the current building. The gallery features paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries, with a focus on Flemish, Dutch, and prominent Lombard and Emilian artists.
The contemporary section, inaugurated thanks to a donation from Monsignor Pasquale Macchi, showcases around sixty 20th-century Marian-themed works. It presents international contemporary artists alongside local talents, creating a unique artistic dialogue.
Cultural Activities and Guided Tours
The Museum is not only an exhibition space but also a dynamic cultural center. It offers thematic guided tours for adults, educational paths for families, and educational projects for schools and groups. Each visit is an opportunity to explore the many facets of the Museum’s artistic and historical heritage.
Enchanting Views and Unique Hospitality
One of the Museum's highlights is its large panoramic terrace, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the ancient town of Varese. Accessible by reservation, it is the ideal spot to admire the Sanctuary and its bell tower, suspended between sky and earth.
Recognitions and Cultural Network Participation
Officially recognized by the Lombardy Region and a member of the Association of Italian Ecclesiastical Museums, the Museum of S. Maria del Monte is an integral part of the VARESEMUSEI network. Managed by the Parish in collaboration with the Paolo VI Foundation for the Sacro Monte, it serves as a key cultural and sacred art reference in the region.
Opening hours
FROM SATURDAY MARCH 16 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2024
Wednesday from 14:00 to 18:00
Thursday from 14:00 to 18:00
Friday from 14:00 to 18:00
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10:00 to 18:00
CHRISTMAS OPENING - FROM DECEMBER 8 TO JANUARY 8
tICKETS
- Full ticket Saturday, Sunday, and holidays + guided tour € 10.00
Guided tours every hour except at 13:00 - Full ticket Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday € 7.00
- Cumulative ticket Saturday, Sunday, and holidays € 15.00
One-day guided tour of the museums: Pogliaghi House Museum, Baroffio Museum, and Crypt - Reduced ticket € 5.00
Ages 6-18; groups of more than 10 people; FAI and COOP members - Family ticket € 20.00
2 adults + 2 or more children - Free ticket
For children 0-5 years; Lombardy Museum Subscription holders; disabled visitors; professional tourist guides; residents of Santa Maria del Monte
HOW TO REACH SACRO MONTE DI VARESE
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
You can reach Varese by train either with the TREnord Milano-Varese-Laveno line or the Ferrovie dello Stato Milano-Varese-Porto Ceresio line.
From the stations, take the urban bus line C which leads to the first chapel or continues to the top of the mountain.
FUNICULAR
On the funicular's opening days (Saturday afternoon and Sunday in spring and summer), line C takes you to the valley station of the funicular, from where you can ascend in a few minutes. The same bus ticket is valid for the funicular.
ON FOOT
Along the Viale delle Cappelle: start from the first arch in Via Prima Cappella. The avenue allows you to visit the 14 chapels with the mysteries of the Rosary; it has a cobblestone surface. It takes about 1 hour of easy walking, 2 km.
Difficulty: easy
From the Varese neighborhood of Velate: start from the Church of S. Stefano, urban line P. Follow trail 9/309 of the Campo dei Fiori park until the junction with trail 10 for the first chapel/marmitte dei giganti. The path also passes through Monte San Francesco with the remains of the ancient monastery. It takes about 2 hours, 4 km, elevation gain from 511 m to 793 m.
Difficulty: medium
From the Varese neighborhood of Rasa: start from Via delle Sorgenti, Castano Varese-Cuveglio bus line. Follow trail 6/306 of the Campo dei Fiori park. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, 1.5 km, elevation gain from 543 m to 830 m.
Difficulty: medium
For information on the accessibility of the UNESCO site, you can consult the dedicated page of the Lombardy Region.
