Discovering the Sacri Monti Art, History, Nature and Spirituality

Varallo Orta Crea Oropa Domodossola Belmonte of and UNESCO World Heritage

Alpine valleys, hills, vineyards, lake views This communicative pattern became are the natural settings embracing the Sa- quite popular after the Catholic Reforma- cred Mounts of the , seven in Pied- tion to tell in an enthralling and evocative mont and two in Lombardy, that with way the sacred story, always under the their enchanting landscapes, history and watchful eye of the Church. architectures hosting precious works of Their story started at the end of the XV art have been included in the UNESCO century with the Sacred Mount of Varal- world heritage list since July 2003. lo, where a Franciscan Friar, Bernardino The Sacred Mounts consist of prestigious Caimi, wanted to reproduce a few loca- architectural complexes standing on hill tions of the Holy Land connected to Jesus tops and structured in a series of chapels Christ’s life. with paintings and represent- First-rate artists of the Piedmontese ing Christ’s story, Holy Mary and the and Lombard cultural panorama con- Saints’ life or the mysteries of the . tributed to the success of the project. The works by famous artists from the XV- These locations have become destina- XIX century include life-size statues re- tions for art-centered tourism where Sacro Monte of Varallo, Chapel of The Crucifixion (no. 38) producing gestures, features and expres- nature and culture celebrate the values sions of impressive realism. of spirituality.

SACRO MONTE OF VARALLO (15th-19th centuries) pag. 4 (Special Reserve) Sacro Monte of Oropa, Wiew of the Chapels

SACRO MONTE OF ORTA (16th-18th centuries) (Special Reserve) » 6-7

SACRO MONTE OF CREA (16th-19th centuries) (Special Reserve) » 8-9

SACRO MONTE OF VARESE (16th-18th centuries) » 10-11

SACRO MONTE OF OROPA (17th-18th centuries) (Special Reserve) » 12-13

INDEX SACRO MONTE OF OSSUCCIO (17th-18th centuries) » 14-15

SACRO MONTE OF GHIFFA (17th-18th centuries) (Special Reserve) » 16-17

SACRO MONTE OF DOMODOSSOLA (17th-20th centuries) » 18-19 (Special Reserve)

SACRO MONTE OF BELMONTE (18th-20th centuries) (Special Reserve) » 20-21

MAP » 22-23

www.sacrimonti.org 3 SACRO MONTE At the turn of the XV century, Franciscan fri- VALSESIA AND MONTE ROSA tOURIST INFORMATION OF VARALLO ar Bernardino Caimi, on his way back from THE WONDER OF THE ALPS AMONG NATURE, ATL Valsesia Vercelli (Tourist Office) Jerusalem, dreamed of building a little Holy ART AND TRADITION corso Roma, 38 - 13019 Varallo (VC) Land which would reproduce the Holy Sepul- Tel. +39 0163 564404 cher, the , the Gethsemane, Bethle- Uncontaminated nature, amazing landscapes E-mail: [email protected] hem and Nazareth on the rock spur over- and magical valleys with crystal-clear water- www.atlvalsesiavercelli.it looking the town of Varallo. The project was courses: Valsesia, “the greenest valley of Ita- RESTAURANT & ACCOMODATION brought to life in 1486 with the first build- ly” winds along the foot of Mount Rosa and is info: www.atlvalsesiavercelli.it ings where paintings and sculptures would crossed by the Sesia river, renowned and loved by sport fans for its many fluvial activi- At Sacred Mount stage the episodes of Jesus Christ’s life. Vecchio Albergo Sacro Monte From the early XV century, Gaudenzio Ferra- Tel. +39 0163 54254 ri had populated the scenes with his re- E-mail: [email protected] al-life, three-dimensional sculptures sport- www.albergosacromonte.it ing colorful clothes, beards and hair, ges- In Varallo and Valsesia tures, natural features and expressions, to www.atlvalsesiavercelli.it narrate the Sacred History together with the paintings decorating the chapels. During the ATTRACtIONS & ACTIVITIES Catholic Reformation, under the direction of info: www.atlvalsesiavercelli.it monuments, museums, eco-museums, Carlo Bascapè (1593-1615), it was reorgan- typical villages, oenogastronomy touring, ized as a magnificently illustrated catechism ties and its clear waters abounding with fish. hiking, climbing trails, bicycle touring, with the work of renowned artists such as The valley offers enchanting scenarios both parks, geoparks, water sports, air sports, Jean de Wespin, Morazzone, Tanzio da for winter sports, thanks to the vast Monte winter sports, speleology, horse riding touring, Varallo, Giovanni d’Enrico, Rosa Ski resort with quick connections to Valle religious touring, historical trains etc. Just like a real city, yet inhabited by d’Aosta, and the variety of summer activities. sculpted and painted people, the Sacred Unique local products, ancient recipes from EVENTS TOURIST SERVICES Mount features cobblestone pathways, piaz- the mountain cuisine tradition and the pres- info: www.atlvalsesiavercelli.it More details and information at zas, palaces, parks and Italian-style gardens. tigious Nebbiolo wines (Gattinara DOCG) musical festivals, holy representations, www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-varallo Connected by the steepest cableway in Eu- make each visit a one-of-a-kind experience exhibitions, festivals, carnival, trade fairs, rope, the site overlooks the historical center with unforgettable and authentic flavors. Yet livestock and agricultural trade fairs, historical trains of Varallo with its sumptuous monuments: Valsesia is also a land of art and culture, with i museums and eco-museums, churches, the LINKS the Picture-Gallery, the Museum of Natural masterpieces of the Walser architecture, tra- www.regione.piemonte.com/web/piemonte-da-vivere Science and the Church of Santa Maria delle ditional craftsmanship, period car meetings www.areeprotettevallesesia.it Grazie painted by Gaudenzio Ferrari (1513). inspired by the origins of the Lancia family www.sesiavalgrandegeopark.it wc P An ideal destination combining culture and and the Fondazione FS steam engines along www.visitmonterosa.com spirituality. with important testimonies of its past. www.camminidevozionali.it

CONTACTS DIRECTIONS FOR VARALLO AND THE SACRED MOUNT By plane: Milano Malpensa Località Sacro Monte - 13019 Varallo (VC) By car: A4 + A26 (E62), exit Romagnano-Ghemme, direction SP 299 to Varallo/Alagna Valsesia Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti - Riserva Speciale del By train: Torino-Milano line stations of Novara and Vercelli + bus - www.trenitalia.com Tel. +39 0163 53938 - E-mail: [email protected] By Bus: direct connections from/to Milan, Turin, Vercelli, Novara www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-varallo www.baranzelli.it - www.atapspa.it - www.canovaspa.it Sanctuary of Maria Assunta - Oblate Fathers SACRED MOUNT - to reach the Sacred Mount by car and bus, follow the indications without Tel. +39 0163 51131 - E-mail: [email protected] the cableway symbol www.sacromontedivarallo.org With GPS: destination località Sacro Monte di Varallo - 13019 Varallo (VC) Buses: to the Sacred Mount are subject to toll payment - Tel. +39 0163 562727 Varallo City Council Cableway: direct connection Varallo-Sacro Monte - Tel. +39 0163 564391 Tel. +39 0163 562711 - Pec: [email protected] On foot: pedestrian path to Varallo-Sacro Monte (20’ distance), cobbled and sloped road www.comune.varallo.vc.it Public transport info: PRONTO TPL http://prontotpl.5t.torino.it/

4 5 SACRO MONTE TOURIST INFORMATION OF ORTA SMALL, INTIMATE AND ROMANTIC Distretto Turistico dei Laghi, Monti e Valli d’Ossola (Tourist Office) On the promontory overlooking Lake Orta, Lake Orta is one of the most evocative desti- Corso Italia, 26 where vegetation alternates with breathtak- nations of Piedmont. Framed by thick chest- 28838 (VB) ing views, the Sacred Mount path, surround- nut, beech and Scotch fir woods, it is charac- Tel. +39 0323 30416 terized by picturesque villages and breathtak- ed by gardens and woods, winds through the ing views. Feud of the Bishop of Novara from E-mail: infoturismo@distretto laghi.it twenty chapels housing sculptures and paint- the XIII century, the territory of Cusio, its sec- www.distrettolaghi.it ings that narrate the life of Saint Francis as ond name taking origins from the Celts inhab- an analogy with Jesus Christ’s. The communi- RESTAURANT & ACCOMODATION ty’s original idea to create a religious itiner- In Orta and the territory of Cusio ary similar to the Sacred Mount of Varallo info: www.distrettolaghi.it dates back to 1583, but it is only in 1590 that the Novarese abbot Amico Canobio brings it to life under the direction of the Capuchin ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES architect Cleto da Castelletto who dis- info: www.distrettolaghi.it tributes the architectures throughout the monuments, museums, eco-museums, natural landscape and stunning openings typical villages, oenogastronomy touring, hiking, climbing trails, bicycle touring, parks, over the lake. The scenes, starring statues iting the area before the Romans’ arrival, was and paintings of impressive realism, combine transferred to the Savoy Family in 1767. geoparks, amusement-literary-parks, intimate and natural atmospheres of early A place of cult, nature, art, and history, Lake water sports, air sports, winter sports, 1600 to the sassy theatricality of Orta embraces the homonym romantic vil- horse riding touring, religious touring, late XVII century, masterly interpreted by re- lage, the island of San Giulio with its late me- tourist train nowned artists such as the Fiammenghini, dieval basilica and the suggestive town unal- tered in time, the Sacred Mount and the Morazzone, Cristoforo Prestinari, the d’En- sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso. A fa- EVENTS rico brothers, Dionigi Bussola and many oth- vored destination in the past centuries for info: www.distrettolaghi.it ers. The processional route ends with the precocious tourists world round attracted by music festival, literature festivals, TOURIST SERVICES the beauty of the lake and the unique Alpine early-Romanesque church of San Nicolao movie festivals, floral events More details and information at housing the ancient ligneous group of the views, it experienced a relevant entrepre- www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-orta neurial growth in the housewares and taps Madonna della Pietà (XIV century?), which and fittings sectors, with renowned brands LINKS was completely remodeled in the XVII centu- such as Alessi, Lagostina and Bialetti. www.regione.piemonte.it/web/piemonte-da-vivere i ry as a reproduction of the Basilica Inferiore The new industrial growth has not altered www.neveazzurra.it wc of . The delightful landscape and the the variety of its landscape attractions, mas- peaceful location blend in with the Francis- terly described by famous writers like Balzac, www.parcoticinolagomaggiore.it Montale, Soldati and Rodari. Today the Orta www.sesiavalgrandegeopark.it P can spirituality making the walk an evocative Riviera offers many delightful opportunities inner experience. for art, nature and water sports lovers. www.camminidevozionali.it

CONTACTS DIRECTIONS FOR AND THE SACRED MOUNT Località Sacro Monte - 28016 Orta San Giulio (NO) By plane: Milano Malpensa Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti - Riserva speciale del By car: A26, (E62), direction Gravellona , exit Borgomanero, Gravellona Toce, direction /Orta SP229 Tel.+39 0322 911960 - E-mail: [email protected] - www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-orta By train: station Orta-, line Novara-Domodossola (20’ distance walk to the Sacred Mount) - www.trenitalia.com Sanctuary and monastery of Franciscan Friary By bus: lines for Novara and Domossola - www.comazzibus.com Tel. +39 0322 90149 - E-mail: [email protected] - www.conventomontmesma.it SacrED MOUNT - With GPS: località Sacro Monte di Orta - 28016 Orta (NO) Orta City Council Buses: Buses must stop at the parking lot at the foot of the hill Tel. +39 0322 911972 - E-mail: [email protected] On foot: from Orta San Giulio, 20’ distance walk, sloped, paved, cobbled road with steps www.comune.ortasangiulio.no.it Public transport info: PRONTO TPL http://prontotpl.5t.torino.it/

6 7 SACRO MONTE OF CREA MONFERRATO TOURIST INFORMATION A TERRITORY SURROUNDED BY NATURE Alexala - Reception Agency and Promotion of Local FOR A TASTE OF ART WITH THE ART OF TASTE Tourism in the province of Alessandria The Sacred Mount of Crea stands on top of a Piazza Santa Maria di Castello, 14 hill in the heart of Monferrato, where visi- Just an hour drive from Milan, Turin and 15121 Alessandria (AL) - Tel. +39 0131 227454 tors can enjoy all the splendor of the Alps and a little farther from the French E-mail: [email protected] and one of the most enchanting wine settle- and Swiss borders, Monferrato represents www.alexala.it one of the most enchanting territories of ments, which prestige has also been ac- Piedmont, extending between the Alps and knowledged by UNESCO. Its origins date RESTAURANT & ACCOMODATION the Ligurian Sea. A landscape of soft hills, info: www.alexala.it back to 1589 when the prior of the church of mostly untouched in its original features, that Madonna Assunta di Crea, Costantino Massi- combines historical testimonies, fascinating At Sacred Mount no, wanted to create a devotional pictured cities and small villages dominated by castles, Ristorante di Crea itinerary to encourage prayer and medita- rich of excellent wines and boasting one of www.ristorantedicrea.it tion while renovating the sacredness of the the best popular cuisine traditions. Caffè Santuario di Crea - Tel. +39 0142 940106 previous Marian Church. The strong bond between the sanctuary and the dynasty In Monferrato reigning in Monferrato has been reinforced info: www.alexala.it by various protagonists such as the duke, pretation of Christ Carrying the Cross (c.16) the local nobles, the high clergy and the by Leonardo Bistolfi, an impressive original ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES neighboring communities. Many famous art- reinterpretation of the Chapel of the Cruci- info: www.alexala.it ists gave their contribution: Moncalvo, the fixion by Gaudenzio Ferrari at the Sacred monuments, museums, eco-museums, typical villages, Prestinaris and the de Wespins who crafted Mount of Varallo. oenogastronomy touring, hiking, bicycle touring, parks, water sports, air sports, horse riding touring the magnificent complex of the Among routes and paths winding through the Cappella del Paradiso (Chapel of the Para- green valleys to be crossed slowly and with a EVENTS dise, no. 23) in early XVII century. The com- careful eye, many are the opportunities to info: www.alexala.it plex war events experienced by Monferrato enjoy this territory, such as hiking, bike ex- music festivals, cultural festivals, fairs, in the XVII century devastated the territory cursions and visits to the famous “infernot”, local events, oenogastronomy events, and required subsequent interventions that the typical cellars dug in turf to extract the traditional markets changed its original layout. Particularly evoc- Cantone stone used to build the ancient ative is the late XIX century symbolist inter- houses. Spring and summer are the best sea- LINKS sons for those who wish to discover the har- www.regione.piemonte.it/web/piemonte-da-vivere TOURIST SERVICES monious landscapes and practice open-air www.parcodelpoalessandriavercelli.it More details and information at sports. Fall and winter, instead, are the fa- www.monferratontour.it www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-crea vored months for spa lovers or gourmets who www.paesaggivitivinicoli.it combine refined wines to better appreciate www.comune.casale-monferrato.al.it/MoMu-Monferrato-Musei the renowned “fruits” of this land: truffles, www.comune.ponzanomonferrato.al.it i mushrooms, chestnuts, hazelnuts. www.comune.serralungadicrea.al.it wc

DIRECTIONS FOR THE SACRED MOUNT OF CREA P By plane: Milano Malpensa, Torino Caselle, Genova Cristoforo Colombo By car: A26 (E62), exit Casale Sud, SP 457 direction Asti, Moncalvo, at the hamlet of La Madonnina di Serralunga di Crea follow directions for Sacro Monte CONTACTS By train: station of Casale Monferrato+bus: line Torino-Chivasso-Casale Monferrato; station of Asti: Località - 15020 Serralunga di Crea (AL) line Torino - Asti + bus; line Alessandria-Casale Monferrato; station of Casale Monferrato + bus Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti - Riserva speciale del Sacro Monte di Crea - www.trenitalia.com Tel. +39 0141 927120 - E-mail: [email protected] By Bus: lines for Asti and Casale, stop of La Madonnina - www.gruppostat.com www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-crea The Sacred Mount is a 5 km walk away With GPS: Sacro Monte di Crea (AL), access from Ponzano Monferrato or Madonnina di Serralunga di Crea Diocesan Sanctuary of the Madonna di Crea Tel. +39 0142 940109 - E-mail: [email protected] Private buses: must take the road from Ponzano Monferrato www.santuari.it Public transport info: PRONTO TPL http://prontotpl.5t.torino.it

8 9 SACRO MONTE OF VARESE Capuchin friar Giovanni Battista Aguggiari VARESE “CITTÀ GIARDINO” TOURIST INFORMATION who commissioned construction of the Infopoint Varese (Tourist Office) chapels dedicated to the Mysteries of the The word combination Varese “Città Giardi- Piazza Monte Grappa, 5 The devotional path winds along the slopes Rosary. Architect Giuseppe Bernascone aka no” [garden city] perfectly describes the 21100 Varese (VA) of Monte Velate in a striking panoramic po- “Il Mancino” supervised the entire planning blending of art and nature characterizing the Tel. +39 0332 281913 sition over pre-alpine lakes and the plain. (chapels, arches, fountains and paths) con- city of northwest Lombardy, in the heart of a E-mail: [email protected] The Via Sacra was built between 1604 and ferring the complex its typical monumental territory rich of rivers, lakes and green hills, 1698 to renovate and foster the sacredness uniformity. Many were the renowned Lom- at the foot of the Massiccio del Campo dei Varese CITY COUNCIL of the Marian sanctuary on the initiative of bard artists who took part to the Sacred Via Sacco, 5 - 21100 Varese (VA) Mount of Varese project, such as Moraz- Tel. +39 0332 255111 zone, Francesco Silva, the Recchi brothers, www.comune.varese.it TOURIST SERVICES Dionigi Bussola and Stefano Maria Legnani More details and information at RESTAURANTS & ACCOMODATION aka “il Legnanino”. In 1983 Renato Guttuso info: www.sacromontedivarese.it/visita www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-varese painted the external wall of the Nativity chapel with a modern version of the Escape (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES i from Egypt. At the top of the cobblestoned info: www.sacromontedivarese.it slope is the small village of Santa Maria del www.comune.varese.it (6) Monte with its typical roofed alleys and the Fiori, in the Varesine Prealps. The city be- www.vareselandoftourism.com ancient monastery of the Romite Ambrosi- came a holiday resort in the XVIII century and www.in-lombardia.it (7) wc ane, where one can visit Museo Baroffio a favorite destination of international tourists art and culture, active & green, tipycal villages, and Casa Museo Pogliaghi. The funicular is a in early XX century for the construction first bicycle touring, food & wine, lakes, lifestyle, charming alternative to reach the top. of Liberty-style villas and later of rationalist parks and gardens, religious touring residences. Varese welcomes its visitors as a lively city that merges historical-artistic op- EVENTS (1) Accessible by car and bus. info: www.sacromontedivarese.it portunities to unforgettable views and an ap- www.comune.varese.it (2) Piazzale Pogliaghi: free parking form Monday to Fri- pealing life style. Many are the sites worth holy representations, traditional patronal feast, day; fee-paying on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. visiting, among which: Palazzo Estense, Villa carnival tradition (3) Station of Vellone. Mirabello, Basilica of S. Vittore, Villa Panza, (4) At Centro espositivo Mons. Macchi near First Chapel; Villa Toepliz, Castle of Masnago, Church of S. LINKS open of Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 am - 4 pm Stefano, Isolino Virginia, the Sacred Mount www.sacromontedivarese.it At Info Point Parco Campo dei Fiori, Piazzale Poglia- and Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi. www.vareselandoftourism.com ghi: Thursday 9 am - 3 pm and Sunday all day. www.in-lombardia.it (5) Fee-paying guide assisted tours. www.museobaroffio.it Information at Centro espositivo Mons. Macchi near www.casamuseopogliaghi.it the First Chapel, by Archeologistics or tour guides li- sted for the . TRASPORTATION LINKS www.ctpi.it (6) Direct access to the Sactuary from Via del Ceppo - Viale del Santuario. www.avtvarese.it www.trenitalia.com (7) Along Via Monte Tre Croci, between Piazzale Poglia- www.trenord.it ghi and path 10 (Pizzelle). www.tilo.ch

CONTACTS DIRECTION FOR VARESE AND THE SACRED MOUNT Località Santa Maria del Monte - 21100 Varese By plane: Milano Malpensa and Milano Linate Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte By train: Trenitalia Milano Porta Garibaldi - Varese; Trenord Milano Cadorna - Varese Nord; Tel. +39 0332 229223 - E-mail: [email protected] TILO Malpensa - Varese www.sacromontedivarese.it - www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-varese By car: Motorway A8 “Milano-Laghi”, direction Varese, exit Varese; from : SS342 direction Varese; from Piedmont: Motorway A26 - connection to Motorway A8 - direction Varese, exit Varese Centro espositivo Mons. Macchi, near first Chapel From Lugano (CH): through Ponte , Tresa pass, follow SS233 direction Varese cell. +39 328 8377206 - E-mail: [email protected] SACRED MOUNT - from Varese www.sacromontedivarese.it By bus: line C Bizzozero-Sacro Monte With GPS: Varese, Piazzale Pogliaghi (top of Santa Maria del Monte), Parco Naturale Regionale Campo dei Fiori or Varese Via Prima Cappella-Piazzale Montanari (beginning of Viale delle Cappelle) Tel. +39 0332 435386 - E-mail: [email protected] - www.parcocampodeifiori.it On foot: Via Sacra: 2 km along the 14 chapels of the Sacred Mount up to the Sanctuary

10 11 SACRO MONTE THE CHARM OF THE ALPS TOURIST INFORMATION BETWEEN LAND AND SKY Azienda Turistica Locale del Biellese (Tourist Office) OF OROPA P.zza V. Veneto, 3 - 13900 (BI) At 1200 meters of altitude, surrounded by a The Biellese is a territory in western Pied- Tel. + 39 015 351128 - n° verde 800 811 800 unique alpine scenario and just a short dis- mont embraced by the Alps to be enjoyed E-mail: [email protected] tance from Biella, the Sacred Mount was cre- first hand. www.atl.biella.it ated on the initiative of the town parish com- The town of Biella includes three main RESTAURANT & ACCOMODATION munities and districts starting from 1617-1620 zones: the area of Biella Piano, rich of pres- Near the Sactuary: and upon initiative of Capuchin Friar Fedele da tigious artistic testimonies such as the Ro- info: www.santuariodioropa.it San Germano to foster the Marian devotion manesque Baptistery and the Renaissance At Biella and its territory: connected to the existing sanctuary through a complex of San Sebastiano, the XIX century info: www.atl.biella.it didactic path. industrial area along torrent Cervo reaching The project adds to the great interventions the town center, both on level grounds, and ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES and transformations promoted by the Savoy the medieval village of Biella Piazzo, in the info: www.atl.biella.it family on the ancient monumental complex where the Madonna Nera was worshiped. monuments, museums, eco-museums The religious itinerary includes twelve chapels oenogastronomy touring dedicated to the Virgin’s life and arranged hiking along a zigzag path culminating in the majestic climbing trails setting of Holy Mary’s Crowing (c. 12), com- bicycle touring parks and gardens bined to five additional sacella dedicated to water sports the saints and the sanctuary tradition. Built in air sports multiple stages between the XVII and XVIII winter sports centuries, many were the artists who took horse riding touring part to the project, among which the d’Enrico religious touring brothers, Bartolomeo Termine, painter Gio- vanni Galliari, Agostino Silva, Carlo Francesco EVENTS and Giuseppe Auregio. info: www.atl.biella.it upper part of town, rich of striking corners holy representations and connected by the typical cableway. music festivals Outside the chief town are many small vil- lages to discover among plains, vineyard floral events TOURIST SERVICES religious traditions More details and information at hills and pastures, and the mountains at a www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-oropa short distance by car: the richness and varie- typical district markes ty of natural settings makes the Biellese area the ideal destination for those looking for an LINKS P www.regione.piemonte.it/web/piemonte-da-vivere i active vacation. The typical flavors of the Parco Burcina e Bessa: Piedmontese oenogastronomy tradition www.parcoticinolagomaggiore.it complete the touristic offer with a charming www.camminidevozionali.it touch, along with the unique textile prod- www.comune.biella.it wc ucts that have always characterized the local www.oasizegna.com entrepreneurial activity. www.comune.biella.it

CONTACTS DIRECTIONS FOR BIELLA AND THE SACRED MOUNT Località Santuario di Oropa - 13900 Biella (BI) By plane: Milano Malpensa and Torino Caselle By car: from Torino: A4 exit Santhià direction for Biella SP143 and direction for Oropa SP144; Amministrazione del Santuario Via Santuario di Oropa, 480 - 13900 Biella - Oropa (BI) from Milan: A4 exit Carisio direction for Biella SP230 and for Oropa SP144; from Aosta: A5 exit Tel. +39.015 25551200 - E-mail: [email protected] Quincinetto direction for Biella SS26+SP73+SP419 and direction for Oropa SP144 www.santuariodioropa.it By train: station of Biella, lines Santhià-Torino and Novara-Milano - www.trenitalia.com Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti - Riserva Speciale del OROPA AND THE SACRED MOUNT Contact: Amministrazione del Santuario With GPS: Località Santuario di Oropa - 13900 Biella (BI) www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-oropa Bus: local line n. 2 Biella-Oropa - ATAP Tel. 800912716 - www.atapspa.it (Legal Seat: Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti - Tel. +39 0141 927120 - E-mail: [email protected]) Public transport info: PRONTO TPL http://prontotpl.5t.torino.it/

12 13 SACRO MONTE A LANDSCAPE BETWEEN TOURIST INFORMATION OF OSSUCCIO WATER AND SKY Ufficio turistico di (Tourist Office) Via Regina, 1 - 22016 Tremezzina (CO) By the western bank of , along a The territory of the Commune of Tremezzina Tel. + 39 0344 40493 slope behind Ossuccio (Commune of Tre- is characterized by a strong cultural identity E-mail: [email protected] mezzina), the Sacred Mount offers a brea- and an ancient touristic vocation. In the past, the exclusive position fostered the cultiva- https://mylakecomo.co/it/ thtaking view over the lake, the mountains tion of citrus and trees. The rich histori- and the Comacina island. cal and architectonic patrimony includes Ro- Antiquarium - Dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary, it man, early Christian and medieval archaeo- Via Somalvico - località Ossuccio was presumably built on the initiative of the logical testimonies, Romanesque churches, 22016 Tremezzina (CO) - Tel. +39 0344 56369 Franciscan Friars and the local noble families numerous villas and interesting rationalist E-mail: [email protected] architectures. In addition to the Sacred www.isola-comacina.it starting from mid XVII century and up to Mount, worth admiring is the archaeological 1710. complex of Isola Comacina, a few historical It consists of fourteen chapels arranged RESTAURANT & ACCOMODATION along the ascensional path leading to the Sacred Mount sanctuary, where the last holy aedicule Trattoria del Santuario (near the Sanctuary) stands. The group of chapels, surrounded by Tel. + 39 0344 56311 vegetation and olive trees, features articula- https://mylakecomo.co/it/ ted shapes and structures with well-balan- Surroundings: ced harmony between architecture and https://mylakecomo.co/it/ landscape. Most of the two hundred and thirty stucco statues are by Agostino Silva, ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES while the frescoes are by artists such as Car- info: https://mylakecomo.co/it/ lo Gaffuri, Francesco Innocenzo Torriani and monuments, museums, eco-museums, Giovan Paolo Recchi. villas, Villa Balbianello (FAI) and Villa Carlot- oenogastronomy touring, hiking, bicycle touring, ta, renowned for its collection of rhododen- water sports, parks, gardens, TOURIST SERVICES drons and azaleas together with its internal tourist train (along state road Regina), More details and information at furniture that includes works by Canova, religious touring www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-ossuccio Thorvaldsen and Hayez. The creation of the Greenway, the Soft Mobility itinerary wind- (1) EVENTS ing along the lake through the coastal villag- info: https://mylakecomo.co/it/ i es of Lake Como, and the Artway, the music and art festivals, traditional festivals wc video-guide system that sets off the main monuments, offer tourists a valid alternative and an effective tool to get to know the ter- LINKS ritory at best, together with a variety of nau- www.isola-comacina.it tical sports and excursions. www.in-lombardia.it

(1) Car parking at chapels 1st and 4th DIRECTION FOR OSSUCCIO (TREMEZZINA) AND THE SACRED MOUNT By plane: Milano Malpensa and Milano Linate CONTACTS By car: A9 exit Lago di Como direction SS340 for Ossuccio Località Ossuccio di Tremezzina - 22019 Tremezzina (CO) Connections to By train: station Esino, line Milano Centrale - Tirano, station Como San Giovanni, Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso di Ossuccio line Milano Porta Garibaldi - Chiasso - www.trenitalia.com Tel. +39 0344 55211 - E-mail: [email protected] Milano Cadorna - Como Nord - www.trenord.it www.santuariosoccorso.blogspot.it - www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-ossuccio By bus: Asf Autolinee - Line C10 Como-- - www.asfautolinee.it Tremezzina City Council By ferry: Navigazione Lago di Como - www.navigazionelaghi.it Via Santo Stefano, 7 - Loc. - 22019 Tremezzina (CO) SACRED MOUNT - Beginning of path of the chapels (via Pasquale Castelli, 6) - località Ossuccio - Tel. 0344 5583900 - E-mail: [email protected] 22019 Tremezzina (CO). Cars must park at the chapel 1st and 4th; it is not possible to go at the www.comune.tremezzina.co.it Sanctuary by car. Disabled people can contact the church (Tel. +39 0344 55211).

14 15 SACRO MONTE VILLAS, GARDENS AND ISLANDS TOURIST INFORMATION Distretto Turistico dei Laghi, Monti e Valli d’Ossola OF GHIFFA DISCOVERING (Tourist Office) Corso Italia, 26 – 28838 Stresa (VB) The smallest of the Piedmontese Sacred Extending between and Switzerland, Tel. +39 0323 30416 E-mail [email protected] Mounts offers one of the most striking views overlapping Piedmont and Lombardy, Lake www.distrettolaghi.it of Lake Maggiore, in a panoramic position Maggiore enjoys undisputed fame for the RESTAURANT & ACCOMODATION over the Lombard Prealps; it consists of refined beauty of the Borromeo Islands, At Sacred Mount three main chapels dedicated to the which palaces and gardens with their unique Ristorante SS. Trinità Tel. +39 0323 086330 - http://ristorantelatrinita.it Crowned Virgin, Saint John the Baptist and botanical collections have made it a favorite Abraham, the sanctuary and the XVIII centu- Surroundings: destination for national and international info: www.distrettolaghi.it ry Way of the Cross colonnade. The Santua- tourism since the past centuries. Here ma- rio della Trinità is the heart of the complex, ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES jestic hotels (Arona, Stresa, -Pallan- built between late XVI century and 1617 to info: www.distrettolaghi.it za) and luxurious villas were built, such as monuments, museums, eco-museums, hiking, extend an ancient site of medieval cult, a bicycle touring, water sports, air sports, winter sports, place considered sacred and miraculous Villa Pallavicino and Villa Taranto, renowned parks, gardens, horse riding touring, even before the Sacred Mount project. The for their striking flowering of camellias, oenogastronomy touring, religious touring three chapels were built at a later time, ap- azaleas and rhododendrons. EVENTS proximately between 1647 and early XVIII Nautical activities, the exquisite gastrono- info: www.distrettolaghi.it music festivals, events and flower exhibitions century. The delightful surrounding environ- my, delightful views and a variety of itinerar- ment with its chestnut woods and the an- ies that offer visitors the opportunity to en- LINKS www.regione.piemonte.it/web/piemonte-da-vivere cient archaeological path, combined to the joy relaxing walks along the lake or the sur- www.neveazzurra.it lakeside and climate charm, make it one of rounding alpine slopes, are but few of the www.camminidevozionali.it the most evocative Sacred Mounts from a reasons to take a vacation in the name of www.areeprotetteossola.it www.parcovalgrande.it landscape standpoint. peace and charm. www.sesiavalgrandegeopark.it

TOURIST SERVICES More details and information at www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-ghiffa

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DIRECTIONS FOR GHIFFA AND THE SACRED MOUNT By plane: Milano Malpensa CONTACTS By car: A26 (E62) exit Verbania direction SS33-raccordo for Verbania-Pallanza and for Ghiffa Connections to Switzerland Località - 28823 Ghiffa (VB) By train: station of Verbania, lines from/to Milano, Novara, Domodossola - www.trenitalia.com Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti - Riserva speciale del Sacro Monte di Ghiffa By bus: line Verbania - - www.vcotrasporti.it Tel. +39 0323 59870 - E-mail: [email protected] - www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-ghiffa By ferry: Navigazione Lago Maggiore - www.navigazionelaghi.it Parish of di San Maurizio - Tel. +39 348 315 96 07 - E-mail: [email protected] Public transport info: PRONTO TPL http://prontotpl.5t.torino.it www.parrocchiaghiffa.org SACRED MOUNT Ghiffa City Council - Tel. +39 0323 59110 - E-mail: [email protected] With GPS: località Sacro Monte di Ghiffa - 28823 Ghiffa (VB) www.comune.ghiffa.vb.it On foot: ancient path to Ronco-Sacro Monte (40’ distance)

16 17 SACRO MONTE THE OSSOLA MOUNTS AND VALLEY TOURIST INFORMATION Distretto Turistico dei Laghi, Monti e Valli d’Ossola OF DOMODOSSOLA AMONG NATURE, ART, TRADITION AND SPORT (Tourist Office) Corso Italia, 26 – 28838 Stresa (VB) At short distance from Switzerland, sur- In the Ossola territory, the mountains wel- Tel. +39 0323 30416 rounded by the Ossola Alps and typical vil- come visitors with all their magnificence and E-mail: [email protected] www.distrettolaghi.it lages with slopes still growing ancient vine- the beauties of nature, the traditions and the yards, the Sacred Mount winds through the local products offer unforgettable experienc- RESTAURANT & ACCOMODATION town of Domodossola up to the Mattarella es. Land of lakes and parks, established to info: www.distrettolaghi.it hill, where the ruins of the Longobard cas- protect and foster their uniqueness, the Os- At Sacred Mount sola is a territory to discover inside out. The Center of Rosminian Spirituality tle stand (VI sec.). The works started in Tel. 39 0324 242010 1656 on the initiative of Capuchin Friars National Park of Val Grande embraces an E-mail: [email protected] Gioacchino da Cassano and Andrea da Rho area among the widest and most uncontami- www.sacromontecalvario.it nated of Europe. Many are the amazing Circolo Acli Santa Croce (ristorante) to reproduce Christ’s passion and death Tel. +39 0324 47049 with life-size images in a sort of Biblia pau- sights offered by nature, such as the 145 mt. Toce waterfall or Mount Rosa with its 4634 perum. The first chapels were built upon Domodossola and Ossola meters of altitude, the second highest moun- the bishop’s authorization in 1657, under info: www.distrettolaghi.it suppressions of the monastic orders and tain of the Alps. Last but not least are the hik- the supervision of Giovanni Matteo Capis, a the friary was turned into barracks. In 1828 ing paths through valleys Antigorio-Formaz- ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES local citizen and jurisconsult which the new vitality was conferred to the complex za, Divedro, Anzasca, Bognanco, Antrona and info: www.distrettolaghi.it community will later appoint the task of with the new religious order established by Vigezzo, charming landscapes with marve- monuments, museums, eco-museums, vestryman. They were decorated internally the Trentine priest and philosopher Anto- tipycal villages, oenogastronomy touring, hiking, lous alpine itineraries connected to Switzer- bicycle touring, water sports, air sports, in 1661 by the Lombard sculptor Dionigi nio Rosmini. The works restarted with con- land, not to mention water sports and spas winter sports, parks, gardens, tourist train, Bussola who modeled, among others, the struction of other chapels up to early XX for a mountain to be enjoyed year round. horse riding touring, religious touring outstanding sculptures of the sanctuary in- century. The internal decorations of these ternal chapels. The works continued in the and a few other XVIII century chapels date EVENTS info: www.distrettolaghi.it following century. The Capuchin Friars back to the XX century. music festivals, holy traditions, festivals, were dismissed in 1810 with the Napoleonic oenogastronomy events

TOURIST SERVICES LINKS More detils and information at www.regione.piemonte.it/web/piemonte-da-vivere www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-domodossola www.areeprotetteossola.it www.parcovalgrande.it www.sesiavalgrandegeopark.it www.neveazzurra.it i www.camminidevozionali.it www.borgodellacultura.it www.comune.domodossola.vb.it

wc DIRECTIONS FOR DOMODOSSOLA AND THE SACRED MOUNT By plane: Milano Malpensa By car: A26 (E62) + SS33 del Sempione, exit Domodossola and directions for Sacro Monte By train: station of Domodossola, lines for Milano, Losanna and Ginevra (CH), Novara - www.trenitalia.com; CONTACTS line for (CH) - www.vigezzina.com Località Borgata Sacro Monte Calvario, 5 - 28845 - Domodossola (VB) By bus: connections from/to Novara - Tel. +39 0324 240333 - www.comazzibus.com Public transport info: PRONTO TPL http://prontotpl.5t.torino.it Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti - Riserva speciale del Sacro Monte Calvario di Domodossola Tel. +39 0324 241976 - E-mail: [email protected] SACRED MOUNT www.sacrimonti.org/sacro-monte-di-domodossola With GPS: borgata Sacro Monte Calvario, 5 - 28845 Domodossola (VB) Rosminian Fathers - Center of Rosminian Spirituality From the station, take a taxi or walk (50’ distance) up to the Sacred Mount Tel. +39.0324 242010 - E-mail: [email protected] Access for small buses (25 seats) and quite difficult, notice must be given to the Rosminian Fathers www.sacromontecalvario.it On foot: directions beginning of Via Crucis from Domodossola (about 30’ distance)

18 19 SACRO MONTE THE TERRITORY BETWEEN TOURIST INFORMATION OF BELMONTE Turismo Torino e Provincia s.c.r.l. (Tourist Office) TURIN AND Torino Call Centre +39 011 535181 ROYALITY, NATURE AND INDUSTRIAL ARCHEOLOGY Ivrea Tel. +39.0125.618131 Overlooking the wide panorama of the To- E-mail: [email protected] In a territory characterized by one of the [email protected] rinese plain and the Canavese alpine view, most renowned morainic amphitheaters of www.turismotorino.org the Sacred Mount of Belmonte project Europe dating back to the ice age, nature is started in 1712 on the initiative of Francis- mostly uncontaminated with lakes and soft RESTAURANT & ACCOMODATION hills, the valleys of the Gran Paradiso Na- can Friar Michelangelo da Montiglio who, info: www.turismotorino.org tional Park and other nature sites such as after spending some time in Palestine, At Sacred Mount the Five Lakes of Ivrea and the nature park Ristorante Belmonte called upon the local communities and a of Lake Candia. Deserving special mention Tel. +39 0124 617205 - E-mail: [email protected] few noble families to create a religious path are also the top-quality oenogastronomy, www.ristorantebelmonte.it dedicated to Christ’s passion and death, the castles and ancient religious buildings, the local festivals, the traditional and histor- with works by local artists most of which In the Canavese and its Territory ical events, the rock festivals and cultural are still unknown. info: www.turismotorino.org activities, the UNESCO path dedicated to the The friars were turned away as a conse- Olivetti firm and its modern architecture ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES quence of the religious order suppressions buildings, but especially to its one-of-a-kind info: www.turismotorino.org entrepreneurial, cultural and innovation between 1802 and 1866 and returned in chapels wind along a circular path em- monuments, museums, eco-museums, spirit. In addition, Ivrea and the Canavese 1869 when they started restoring the chap- braced by luxuriant vegetation, rich of cen- oenogastronomy touring, hiking, territory stand as the ideal destination for tenarian oaks and chestnuts interrupted by bicycle touring, parks, garden, els, redecorated by adding architectonic nature and outdoor sport lovers as they will water sports, air sports, winter sports, backgrounds and starring «colored statues granitic rocks. The protected area houses an enjoy the opportunity to practice a variety horse riding touring, religious touring of terra castellamontana». The thirteen important Longobard archaeologic site. of competitive and amateur discipline. EVENTS info: www.turismotorino.org TOURIST SERVICES arts & crafts exhibitions, traditional events, More details and information at Carnival www.sacrimonti.org/sacromonte-belmonte LINKS www.regione.piemonte.it/web/piemonte-da-vivere www.parchireali.gov.it i Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso - www.pngp.it www.anfiteatromorenicoivrea.it wc www.museotecnologicamente.it www.comune.valperga.to.it P www.comune.prascorsano.to.it www.comune.pertusio.to.it www.comune.cuorgne.to.it www.canaveseturismo.org

CONTACTS DIRECTIONS FOR AND THE SACRED MOUNT Località - Borgata Trucchi - 10087 Valperga (TO) By plane: Torino Caselle By car: Motorway A5 Torino - Aosta, exit San Giorgio, direction Valperga Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti - Riserva speciale Sacro Monte di Belmonte By train - bus: connections to Torino - www.gtt.to.it Tel. +39 0124 510605 - E-mail: [email protected] Public transport info: PRONTO TPL http://prontotpl.5t.torino.it www.sacrimonti.org/sacromonte-belmonte SACRED MOUNT With GPS: località Sacro Monte di Belmonte, via Piemonte from San Giorgio follow directions Franciscan Sanctuary of Belmonte for Rivarolo, Cuorgné, SP53+SP222+SP460+SP42+SP42 Tel. +39 0124 617204 On foot: ancient pedestrian connection from Valperga (1 hour distance)

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On foot among the Sacri Monti - UNESCO The Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, a path where to meet art, landscape and spirituality The Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy are connected by an articulated pedestrian path that intersects and overlaps the ancient Italian and European devotional paths. The complete route of the cammino dei Sacri Montiis being updated but it can be largely downloaded from the website www.sacrimonti.org NIO M O UN IM D R T IA

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United Nations Sacri Monti of Educational, Scientific and Piedmont and Lombardy Cultural Organization inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2011

Free information brochure All hyperlinks were checked on 14/06/2019 Graphic design and printing: Tipolitografia di Borgosesia Minoli sas