Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
nine religious sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage site
Photo: Sacro Monte di Oropa, Piedmont
Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of religious sanctuaries, referred to in this case as "Sacred Mountains".
A total of nine different sanctuaries in the two northern Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, they mostly take the form of a sanctuary at the top of a hill with a number of religious buildings clustered together and sometimes including a monastery. One of the largest and most spectacular of the Sacri Monti is the Sacro Monte di Oropa, just outside the city of Biella in Piedmont. |
Related links
Sacro Monte di Oropa
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The Sacro Monte di Oropa is a sacred complex located in the Biella region of Piedmont, nestled in the foothills of the Alps.
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the nine Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy. Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, the complex features a series of chapels adorned with life-sized statues and frescoes depicting the life of the Virgin Mary. It is part of the larger Sanctuary of Oropa, a significant Marian pilgrimage site housing the revered Black Madonna statue. |
Sacro Monte di Oropa, Piedmont
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Sacro Monte di Varallo
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The Sacro Monte di Varallo, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most significant pilgrimage sites in the Alps.
Perched on a hill overlooking the town of Varallo Sesia, it features a series of 45 chapels adorned with life-sized sculptures and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ. Created in the late 15th century by Bernardino Caimi and expanded over the centuries, it offers a spiritual journey through its richly detailed artworks. The site combines religious devotion, artistic excellence, and natural beauty. |
Sacro Monte di Varallo, Piedmont
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Sacro Monte di Crea
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The Sacro Monte di Crea, located in the hills of Piedmont near Casale Monferrato, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a serene pilgrimage destination.
Nestled within the Santuario di Crea Natural Park, this sacred complex features a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary and 23 chapels adorned with frescoes and sculptures depicting biblical scenes. Built between the late 16th and 17th centuries, it reflects the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on faith and devotion. The hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, enhancing its spiritual atmosphere. |
Sacro Monte di Crea, Piedmont
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Sacro Monte di Ghiffa
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The Sacro Monte di Ghiffa is a serene religious and cultural site located in Piedmont, overlooking the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Part of the UNESCO-listed Sacri Monti of Northern Italy, it dates back to the 17th century and blends stunning natural landscapes with spiritual devotion. The site features a series of chapels dedicated to the Holy Trinity, adorned with frescoes and statues illustrating biblical themes. Historically, it served as a pilgrimage destination, combining faith and artistry. Today, it is a cherished heritage site. |
Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, Piedmont
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Sacro Monte di Domodossola
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The Sacro Monte di Domodossola is a serene religious complex located in the Ossola Valley, Piedmont.
Situated on a hill overlooking the town of Domodossola, it consists of 15 chapels that depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The chapels, adorned with frescoes and statues, create a vivid spiritual pathway for pilgrims, leading up to the Church of Santa Maria, the site’s centerpiece. This sacred mount, part of a network of similar sites in northern Italy, reflects both Baroque artistic achievement and the deep devotion of the local community. |
Sacro Monte di Domodossola, Piedmont
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Sacro Monte di Orta
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The Sacro Monte di Orta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Lake Orta in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.
This sacred mountain complex consists of 20 chapels, built between the 16th and 18th centuries, that depict scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The chapels are spread along a scenic hillside, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding area. Each chapel features remarkable frescoes and sculptures, showcasing the artistic styles of the period. The Sacro Monte was created as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection, and it remains a significant site of religious importance in the region. |
Sacro Monte di Orta, Piedmont
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Sacro Monte di Belmonte
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The Sacro Monte di Belmonte is a religious complex located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, near the town of Savigliano. Set on a hilltop, it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The site is renowned for its series of chapels, 15 in total, which were built in the 17th and 18th centuries to depict the mysteries of the Rosary. These chapels are adorned with frescoes, statues, and religious artwork. The Sacro Monte di Belmonte has long been a place of pilgrimage, symbolizing the devotion and artistic heritage of the region. |
Sacro Monte di Belmonte, Piedmont
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Sacro Monte di Varese
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The Sacro Monte di Varese is a religious complex located on a hill overlooking the town of Varese in Lombardy. It is part of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Built in the 17th century, the Sacro Monte consists of 14 chapels, each containing elaborate frescoes and sculptures that depict the life of Christ, culminating in the Sanctuary of the Virgin. The chapels are arranged along a scenic path leading to the top of the hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The site is a popular pilgrimage destination. |
Sacro Monte di Varese, Lombardy
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Sacro Monte di Ossuccio
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The Sacro Monte di Ossuccio is a historic religious complex located on the shores of Lake Como in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.
Built in the 17th century, the sanctuary is part of the nine Sacri Monti (Holy Mountains) in the region, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The complex consists of 14 chapels, each decorated with vibrant frescoes and sculptures that depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The chapels are arranged along a steep hillside, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. |
Ossuccio, Lombardy
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