Sacro Monte of Varese

Photo: © Sabrina Alvezzola - @insightemotions

Among the prized locations in the province of Varese stands the renowned Sacro Monte di Varese, a site of great spiritual and artistic significance, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003.

You were wondering what to visit in Italy and found out  Varese? Among the many treasures this city holds, the principal one is Sacro Monte di Varese, an important pilgrimage site known for its captivating frescoed chapels and the picturesque Via Sacra, attracting visitors from around the world every year.

If you're looking for a scenic walk in Varese, one of the best options is along the Via Sacra of Sacro Monte. This panoramic route winds through historic chapels, offering spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and the Alps, making every step an unforgettable experience.

The history of Sacro Monte di Varese dates back to the late 16th century when it was built as a place of worship and pilgrimage. Sponsored by San Carlo Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, the devotional path construction began in 1604 and continued for several decades, involving talented artists and architects. The result is a complex of 14 frescoed chapels, each dedicated to a moment in the Passion of Christ, stretching along a two-kilometer path.

In addition to the sacred path, Sacro Monte di Varese also hosts two important museums that enrich visitors' experiences and provide excellent alternatives for indoor activities during inclement weather in Varese. The Museo Baroffio e del Santuario, located near the summit, showcases a collection of sacred art, paintings, and sculptures recounting the history of the Sanctuary and Marian cult. The second museum is Casa Museo Pogliaghi, exhibiting the works and private collection of artist Lodovico Pogliaghi, renowned for designing the central door of Milan Cathedral. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Pogliaghi's life and work, featuring a wide array of art, furniture, and artifacts from around the world.

Sacro Monte di Varese has inspired many artists, including Leo von Klenze, who captured the beauty of this location in his painting "Der Monta Sacro von Varese in der Lombardei." This masterpiece is now housed at the Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart, Germany, a testament to the fame and influence of Sacro Monte in European art.

Visiting Sacro Monte di Varese offers a unique experience where spirituality and natural beauty converge. Explore the frescoed chapels, delve into the museums, breathe the fresh air of the Lombardian mountains, and be enchanted by the magic of this historic site. Varese awaits to provide you with a journey that will leave an indelible mark in your memories.

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.