Sacro  Monte  di  Varallo

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

Places of interest nearby include Lake Orta, Omegna, Orta San Giulio, the Sacro Monte di Orta and Novara while the recommended accommodation is the ​Albergo Italia in Varallo.
Related links
​Profile
The Sacro Monte di Varallo, located in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, is a unique and fascinating religious complex known for its sanctuary and chapels. It is part of the "Sacro Monte" (Sacred Mountain) tradition, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which consists of several mountain sanctuaries in Northern Italy, each depicting various episodes from the life of Jesus Christ.
History
The Sacro Monte di Varallo was founded in the early 16th century by Franciscan friar Bernardino Caimi. Inspired by the devotion to recreate significant moments from Christ's life, Caimi initiated the construction of a series of chapels and shrines on the slopes of Monte Crea, near the town of Varallo. The complex aimed to offer pilgrims a journey through the life of Christ in a natural and spiritual setting.

Construction of the chapels and statues continued over several centuries, with different artists and craftsmen contributing to the project. The result is a remarkable collection of artistic and religious expressions that have attracted pilgrims and tourists for centuries.
Key features
  • Chapels and Shrines: The complex consists of 45 chapels and numerous statues and frescoes, each depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and other religious figures. The chapels are connected by a winding path that offers a contemplative and scenic walk for visitors.
  • Artistic Treasures: The Sacro Monte di Varallo is home to a vast collection of artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and frescoes by prominent artists of the time.
  • Stations of the Cross: In addition to the chapels, the complex features a series of stations representing the Stations of the Cross, offering a spiritual journey for visitors.
  • Views and Scenery: The Sacro Monte is set amidst the beautiful natural landscape of Monte Crea, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
  • Pilgrimage Site: The complex remains an active place of pilgrimage for devout Catholics and spiritual seekers.
  • Visitor Facilities: The Sacro Monte offers visitor facilities, including guided tours and information centers, to enhance the experience of visitors.
  • Accessibility: The complex is accessible by car or public transportation, and it is well-signposted from the town of Varallo.
  • Cultural Significance: The Sacro Monte di Varallo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and artistic value.
Sacro Monte di Varallo
Town: Varallo Sesia

Province: Vercelli

Region: Piedmont

Founded: 1491

​​​​​Architectural style: Baroque

Close by: Lake Orta, Omegna, Orta San Giulio, Sacro Monte di Orta

Recommended hotel: Albergo Italia (4 km)
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy

​Year: 2003

Sacro  Monte  di  Varallo​​​  Gallery

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.