Sacro  Monte  di  Oropa​

​By Dion Protani
Latest update: 11 January 2024
The Sacro Monte di Oropa is a religious sanctuary in the Province of Biella. Since 2003, it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy heading.

Places of interest nearby include Biella, Ricetto di Candelo, Ivrea, Varallo Sesia and Novara while the recommended accommodation is the ​Agora' Palace Hotel in Biella.
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Sacro Monte di Oropa is a sacred mountain located in the Biella province of the Piedmont region in Italy. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics and holds deep religious importance. The site's origins can be traced back to the 4th century when a small chapel was built here in honor of the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, it gradually developed into a prominent religious complex.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the sanctuary and the chapels on the mountain were extensively expanded and adorned with beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and artworks, making it a remarkable representation of religious and artistic heritage.
Key features
  • The Sanctuary: Sacro Monte di Oropa is composed of a series of chapels and religious buildings, all of which are connected by a winding path leading up the mountainside. The Sanctuary of Oropa, located at the base of the mountain, is a large complex that includes the Basilica of Our Lady of Oropa. The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and houses her revered wooden statue, believed to have miraculous powers. The statue is the object of devotion and pilgrimage for many believers.​
  • The Chapels: The mountain path consists of twenty chapels, each dedicated to different episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The chapels are adorned with frescoes and sculptures, and each one tells a part of the sacred story. The artworks in the chapels were created by skilled artists of the time, and their detailed craftsmanship is a testament to the region's rich artistic history.
Visitor information
  • Visiting Hours: The sanctuary and the mountain path are open to visitors throughout the year. However, the opening hours may vary depending on the season and religious events. It's advisable to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date schedule.
  • Entry Fee: There is usually no entry fee to visit Sacro Monte di Oropa, but donations are welcome to support the maintenance and preservation of this spiritual site.
  • Pilgrimages and Religious Events: Sacro Monte di Oropa is not only a tourist destination but also a place of pilgrimage and religious events. Many pilgrims visit the sanctuary throughout the year, especially during special religious occasions and feast days. Witnessing a religious procession or participating in a spiritual event can be a unique experience.
  • Hiking and Nature: For nature enthusiasts and hikers, the mountain path offers a scenic and serene trek amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Piedmont Alps. The surrounding landscape provides a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere, ideal for moments of reflection and contemplation.
  • Getting There: Sacro Monte di Oropa is accessible by car or public transportation. The sanctuary can be reached from the town of Biella, and there are signs and directions to guide visitors along the way.
Sacro Monte di Oropa
​Comune: Biella

Province: Biella

Region: Piedmont

​​​Built: 1617

Close by: Ricetto di Candelo, Ivrea, Varallo Sesia, Novara

Recommended accommodation: Agora' Palace Hotel (12 km)
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy

​Year: 2003

Sacro  Monte  di  Oropa​​​​​  Gallery

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