A pilgrimage route that tells the secret of the rosary
The route starts just outside Varese and climbs 2 kilometres to an altitude of about 800 metres.
Along the way, you pass fourteen chapels, each of which tells one of the mysteries of the Rosary.
They were built at the beginning of the 17th century in response to the spiritual climate of the Counter-Reformation - at that time several similar "Holy Mountains" were created in Lombardy and Piedmont, now all UNESCO-listed.
Each chapel is a small work of art - inside you will find life-size statues, frescoes, paintings, scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and Christ. The construction was supervised by important architects and sculptors of the time, including Giuseppe Bernascone and Francesco Silva.
Above: Santuario di Santa Maria del Monte
The journey ends with the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte, whose origins date back to the 4th century.
According to legend, Saint Ambrose built the first chapel here after his victory over the Arians.
Today's church is the result of later renovations - a baroque interior, a magnificent organ, ceiling paintings and a viewpoint that overlooks the Alps, Lake Varese and the entire Po Valley.
An atmosphere you won't find anywhere else
Sacro Monte is not just a destination, but a journey. Many pilgrims walk it - slowly, respectfully, to the rhythm of bells and birdsong.
In summer, the path turns into an open-air gallery; in winter, it is surrounded by fog, which gives the place a mystical power.
If you don't want to pedal uphill, you can also use the historic cable car that takes you from Varese to the sanctuary.
Practical information
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Accessibility: from the centre of Varese by car (about 15 minutes) or by bus to the resort of Prima Cappella.
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Length of the route: approx. 2 km, 300 m ascent, can be done by less fit hikers.
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Time of visit: ideally in the morning or before sunset, when the light refracts over the lake.
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Entrance: free, only the sanctuary museum is charged a symbolic amount.
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Tip: have an espresso at the top with a view in the café at the shrine - it's one of those unforgettable places.
