Sacro Monte of Varese (Sacro Monte di Varese) Tours and Activities
One of nine hills that form the UNESCO World Heritage Site of sacred pilgrim routes in Piedmont and Lombardy, the Sacro Monte of Varese (Sacro Monte di Varese) is in the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park north of the city of Varese.
Dating from 1604, the Sacro Monte owes its origins to a Capuchin monk and wends its way 1.25 miles (2 km) uphill past a group of 14 chapels interspersed with three archways and three fountains. Marking a medieval pilgrim route dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary, they are scenically located among a rustic backdrop of hills, forests and distant mountains and each showcases an event in the life of Jesus. The chapels were the work of major Lombardian architects and every one has a portico of a different design. Likewise each is adorned with statuary and frescoes; the most recent addition is the Flight from Egypt in the Nativity Chapel, which was painted by Renato Guttuso in 1983.
After a walk of about 1.5 hours, the pilgrim route lead up to the hilltop village of Santa Maria del Monte, which has a 15th-century Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary. With views extending to the Alps, the village also has two small museums and a permanent nativity scene as well as several restaurants and hotels.
Practical Info
Via Assunzione, 21, Frazione Santa Maria del Monte, Varese. No charge for walking the Sacro Monte. Sanctuary open daily 8am 12pm, 2pm–6pm. Best accessed along the A8 Milan toll road, exit Varese. A funicular operates between the parking lot at the Prima Cappella and the top of Sacro Monte on Saturdays and Sundays all year round, and daily during August.
Address: Via Assunzione, 21, Frazione Santa Maria del Monte, Varese, Lombardy 21100, Italy
Hours: Sanctuary open daily 8am–12pm, 2pm–6pm
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Sacro Monte of Varese (Sacro Monte di Varese)
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A private tour between culture and taste: Varese and its Holy Mount
1
A few kilometers away from Milan and Como lies Varese, a quite unknown destination which, indeed, was chosen as a leisure site by many wealthy and aristocrats families between the 17th and 20th century. The town has thus become a "garden city", thanks to the several gorgeous villas and their gardens.
This private tour will allow you to explore the artistic and architectural wonders of Varese town centre, besides of enjoying a typical dessert in a historical cafeteria. Later, you will reach the UNESCO heritage of the Sacred Mount, a Renaissance sanctuary connected to the valley by a cobbled way, dotted by fourteen magnificent baroque chapels. On the small and charming village close to the sanctuary, Santa Maria del Monte, you will enjoy an exclusive tasting of Borducan, a liqueur made of orange and aromatic herbs.
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From
$372.33
Price varies by group size
From
$372.33
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Varese & Holy Mountain private guided tour
During this tour of the following: the city of Varese and the splendid Estense Palace and park, then we will proceed to the panoramic and religious site of the Holy mountain of Varese an UNESCO unique and protected area with the visit to the sanctuary.
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From
$181.50
per group
From
$181.50
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
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