Sacro Monte Unesco di Varese
Sacro Monte Unesco di Varese
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Sacro Monte of Varese Unesco, is far few kilometers from the city. It consists of the Holy Road and the Sanctuary. The Holy Road with its 14 chapels, rise the mountain up to the little village of Santa Maria del Monte and it ends with the Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin. The rise is 2 kilometers along on a pebbly path, and every chapel represents one of the Mystery of Jesus’s life. You can find at the mountaintop the Sanctuary, the Cloister of Monache Romite Ambrosiane, The Museo Baroffio e del Santuario, the Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi, the permanent natity scene, and different restaurants, bar, pizzeria, hotels and b&b. Don't miss the Emporio, a Multifunctional shop where visitors can find touristic informations.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- PieterCape Town, South Africa1,712 contributionsSpiritual journeyA true pilgrimage to walk up the Sacre Monto and visit each of the 14 chapels. So much tought and design went into each one. It can be a deep spiritual experience to pray at each of the chapels and think about our Saviour.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten September 16, 2023
- bushmckayDe Pere, Wisconsin303 contributionsA wonderful walk.We went on a very overcast weekday and only ran into a couple other visitors. We had no idea really what to expect but it made for a very nice walk up to the Sanctuary (very beautiful church) and back down. It's really off the beaten path.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2023
- blaintmProserpine, Australia728 contributionsWow! - An easy self do day trip from MilanA visit to Sacro Monte and walking the Holy Road will be a highlight of our numerous visits to Italy for many years to come. We visited in mid-November whilst staying in Milan. It was easy to get to Varese by taking a train from Porta Garibaldi Station which took just under an hour. If you want to walk up the Holy Road then upon arrival you have three options, either, 1. take a taxi to the start of the Holy Road, 2. walk into the centre of town and take the C line bus to the start of the Holy Road or 3. walk the 5km uphill to the start. As we wanted to get our walk underway early we decided on the taxi option. There were plenty of taxis waiting at the station and it cost less than €15 for the trip. The walk up the Holy Road was great, the views are amazing and the 14 Chapels were extraordinary. A tip is at the start of the Holy Road there is a sign with a QR code that you scan to download an app that explains what each chapel represents and who the artists were, this was a great as it added to the experience. The walk is not difficult, it is steep in sections but because it is broken up into sections there are plenty of stops along the way. At the top you are rewarded with fantastic views and the village of Santa Maria del Monte is beautiful. We planned on taking the funicular down but it only operates on weekends in November so we decided to walk down, which we are glad we did as the afternoon sun on the autumn trees made it even more special. We were enjoying the walk so much we decided to keep on walking back into Varese following the pilgrim path symbols to keep us on the right track.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 17, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,782 reviews
Excellent
1,304
Very good
415
Average
46
Poor
11
Terrible
6
bushmckay
De Pere, WI303 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We went on a very overcast weekday and only ran into a couple other visitors. We had no idea really what to expect but it made for a very nice walk up to the Sanctuary (very beautiful church) and back down. It's really off the beaten path.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaynice1
Nice, France660 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Beautiful area. Beautiful church. This area is a small part of Varese reachable by bus line C then you can walk the main path with the 14 stations representing each an event of life and death of Jesus Christ. The view from up here is absolutely stunning. You can see by good weather 3 lakes and Milan. Few hotels and restaurants offer a possibility to stay in this very quiet part of Lombardia
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pieter
Cape Town, South Africa1,712 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
A true pilgrimage to walk up the Sacre Monto and visit each of the 14 chapels. So much tought and design went into each one.
It can be a deep spiritual experience to pray at each of the chapels and think about our Saviour.
It can be a deep spiritual experience to pray at each of the chapels and think about our Saviour.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emmanuel V
Naintre, France161 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Went their without much expectation but its wonderful! Brings you closer to god in this beautiful environment between nature and architecture. The wait up by foot is a bit tough when its very hot but worth it. Parking down is a big issue as usual in this area but i finally managed some how. At the top the church is simply beautiful, dont miss the small museum next to it and specially the crypt that is so unique! Several nice local restaurant with beautiful view to make the experience total! Highly recommend
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Line3400
Hillerod, Denmark49 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
There is a very nice walk up to the church and the little old town Santa Maria del Monte.
You pass the 13 chapels.
There are some nice restaurants and cafes in the small town.
Take the bus to the parking spot just before the chapels, and walk the way up.
You pass the 13 chapels.
There are some nice restaurants and cafes in the small town.
Take the bus to the parking spot just before the chapels, and walk the way up.
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drsusanc
San Francisco, CA109 contributions
Mar 2014 • Business
This is the top destination in Varese, and rightly so. The walk from the Prima Capella up to the hilltown is splendid, dotted as it is with 14 chapels each filled with life-sized dioramas from Christ's life. The town itself is a lovely vertical jumble of medieval buildings and narrow alleyways often leading to staircases and tunnels. The town's church is clearly a pilgrimage site, but respectful visitors of any creed are welcome. In winter/late spring there's no shops open or other services, at least on weekday nights.
If you don't have a car be forewarned that the bus service (Line C, but only some of the buses) can be infrequent, especially after 6pm. I spend the longest 45 minutes of my life freezing my tuckus off, wondering why they bothered publicizing a bus schedule that is about as fictional as a Dan Brown book. Never in my life was I so happy to hear the busdriver's horn (they honk around every hairpin turn, so you'll get an idea when the bus is about 4 minutes away.)
If you don't have a car be forewarned that the bus service (Line C, but only some of the buses) can be infrequent, especially after 6pm. I spend the longest 45 minutes of my life freezing my tuckus off, wondering why they bothered publicizing a bus schedule that is about as fictional as a Dan Brown book. Never in my life was I so happy to hear the busdriver's horn (they honk around every hairpin turn, so you'll get an idea when the bus is about 4 minutes away.)
Written April 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FMC64
Atri, Italy78 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
Sacro Monte (Holy Mountain) in Varese is really a wonderfull place, you can have a moment of relax with a walk up or down the mountain with 14 chappels with the reconstruction of the mysteries of the rosary.
Since 2003 the Holy Mountain of Varese was entered in the UNESCO's protected landscapes.
If you are quite lazy you con arrive on the top with an old funicular that was built in the beginning of the last century.
The landscape is fantastic and if the weather is ok, you can see Milan.
Since 2003 the Holy Mountain of Varese was entered in the UNESCO's protected landscapes.
If you are quite lazy you con arrive on the top with an old funicular that was built in the beginning of the last century.
The landscape is fantastic and if the weather is ok, you can see Milan.
Written April 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edoardo B
Varese, Italy386 contributions
May 2013 • Family
For reasons of propaganda the catholic church had these pilgrimage sites built around 1600 AD in northern Italy, near the Alps, where protestant influence had more chances of success. Varese has one of the nicest, in a nice landscape over the Prealps and the lakes, with many baroque chapels on the way up to the old town of Santa Maria del Monte. If walking uphill is not your wish a small train is taking you up (get info on working hours and days beforehand). Curiously enough at Roman times, around 300AD, the little town was inhabited by so called hereticals arians then exterminated by a Ambrogio, a bishop, who was restoring the Roman catholic church power at the borders. Ambrogio was then appointed Saint... .in the small town on top visit Café Borducan, it's an historical
place worth a visit, at best during the warm season on the small terrace.
place worth a visit, at best during the warm season on the small terrace.
Written November 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Back_Country_Bob123
14 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
Quite unexpectedly we decided to visit Sacro Monte Varese and what a treat it was!
It would be very difficult to find a more beautiful and peaceful place than this gorgeous mountain, nestled near Varese. Quite by chance, we drove to the highest part of the site to a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the verdant forests to the East. This, in itself, was worth the twisting drive from the valley floor. However, my Daughter and I, who is making a remarkable recovery from a terrible brain injury, took a few faltering steps into the Park Rangers hut. Here we met Giovanni, a really engaging and sprightly 70 year old volunteer with very good English skills. We could have chatted all day to this fabulous character - I suspect his knowledge of the Park and surrounding areas to be second to none. Giovanni was also very knowledgable about the UK, it's history and Scotland in particular.
Sometimes you just think I can chat all day, but Giovanni pointed us to the Il Ceppo restaurant and recommended food for lunch. He also suggested we drive down the little lane to a lift which would take Alice into the Sanctuary.
Both recommendations were sound. Il Ceppo was wonderful and run by a lovely family. We enjoyed proper home made pasta and it was truly delicious - by far the best we had in Italy.
After the gorgeous lunch we took Giovanni's advice and drove a few hundred metres to the bottom of the lift and my Wife took Alice up to the Sanctuary and I reversed to find a parking spot. When I got to the top of the lift I was astonished by the sheer scale of the buildings coursing up the mountain which had been, hitherto, unseen. Words cannot adequately explain the architecture and beauty on show. For a man of MANY words, I was, for once, speechless.
We made our way slowly around the enclave of buildings and happened upon a small shop. It wasn't possible to get Alice's wheelchair inside so she stood up and walked in, much to the astonishment of the local ladies who ran the shop. We truly believe they believed it was a miracle! These ladies were quite possibly the most lovely people we have ever met in our lives. Thinking about it now brings a tear to my eye. We must have only been in the shop for half an hour but those 30 minutes will always be indelibly etched on our memories. When asked about her favourite part of nearly a month in Europe, Alice always says "The ladies in the shop!"
Without a word of a lie, we came out of that shop with dozens and dozens of things,mall of which were free and given with such generosity and warmth it was a once in a lifetime experience. Even though there was barely a handful of words understood between us, it was inspirational to spend time with such wonderful characters. Amazing, engaging, marvellous - all superlatives, but not enough!!!
It would be very difficult to find a more beautiful and peaceful place than this gorgeous mountain, nestled near Varese. Quite by chance, we drove to the highest part of the site to a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the verdant forests to the East. This, in itself, was worth the twisting drive from the valley floor. However, my Daughter and I, who is making a remarkable recovery from a terrible brain injury, took a few faltering steps into the Park Rangers hut. Here we met Giovanni, a really engaging and sprightly 70 year old volunteer with very good English skills. We could have chatted all day to this fabulous character - I suspect his knowledge of the Park and surrounding areas to be second to none. Giovanni was also very knowledgable about the UK, it's history and Scotland in particular.
Sometimes you just think I can chat all day, but Giovanni pointed us to the Il Ceppo restaurant and recommended food for lunch. He also suggested we drive down the little lane to a lift which would take Alice into the Sanctuary.
Both recommendations were sound. Il Ceppo was wonderful and run by a lovely family. We enjoyed proper home made pasta and it was truly delicious - by far the best we had in Italy.
After the gorgeous lunch we took Giovanni's advice and drove a few hundred metres to the bottom of the lift and my Wife took Alice up to the Sanctuary and I reversed to find a parking spot. When I got to the top of the lift I was astonished by the sheer scale of the buildings coursing up the mountain which had been, hitherto, unseen. Words cannot adequately explain the architecture and beauty on show. For a man of MANY words, I was, for once, speechless.
We made our way slowly around the enclave of buildings and happened upon a small shop. It wasn't possible to get Alice's wheelchair inside so she stood up and walked in, much to the astonishment of the local ladies who ran the shop. We truly believe they believed it was a miracle! These ladies were quite possibly the most lovely people we have ever met in our lives. Thinking about it now brings a tear to my eye. We must have only been in the shop for half an hour but those 30 minutes will always be indelibly etched on our memories. When asked about her favourite part of nearly a month in Europe, Alice always says "The ladies in the shop!"
Without a word of a lie, we came out of that shop with dozens and dozens of things,mall of which were free and given with such generosity and warmth it was a once in a lifetime experience. Even though there was barely a handful of words understood between us, it was inspirational to spend time with such wonderful characters. Amazing, engaging, marvellous - all superlatives, but not enough!!!
Written October 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your great review
Written October 20, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jisha
Detroit, MI57 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Lovely setting atop a hill. A bit of a treacherous drive to the top, but ample parking when you arrive. Can make a hike/pilgrimage as long or short as you like. Church at top is beautiful. Visited 5 times over a 3-month period and never tired of the beauty. Several restaurants at the top with lovely views.
Written May 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. How to visit the Sacro monte di varese from milan by using public transport? Kindly give me the detail especially which bus, where to stop, price and mode of payment to ride a bus. Tq
Written February 22, 2023
Buongiorno. Devo fare un sopralluogo in giorno feriale per fare foto dalla cresta del Campo dei Fiori per un progetto interreg; quale percorso mi conviene per arrivare nel minor tempo (ho più punti da visitare e le ore di luce sono poche)? Sembra che dal Saro Monte si arrivi più in alto con l'auto, ma la strada è facile o richieda molta esperienza di montagna? grazie
Written November 18, 2021
Grazie per l'interessamento, signora Mariateresa, ma intendevo dire in auto e quindi esperienza "di guida" in montagna. Dovevo fare foto in più luoghi in poco tempo e ore di luce, quindi a malincuore dovevo usare l'auto. Poi non ci sono andata, perché mi hanno dato un furgone, e non me la sono sentita di guidarlo, sono abituata alla mia stationwagon che è molto meno ingombrante e più agile!
Written May 18, 2022
Per chi volesse salire in auto ci sono problemi di limitazioni al traffico o solo residenti? Ho con me una persona che non riesce a camminare benissimo, oltre la vista cosa possiamo fare lassù,visto che le cappelle sono tutte in salita? Grazie per i vostri preziosi suggerimenti
Written October 2, 2019
Buongiorno, il borgo di Santa Maria del Monte è raggiungibile in auto. Tenga presente che durante i weekend l'afflusso di visitatori è notevole, pertanto potrebbe avere difficoltà a trovare parcheggio. Sono presenti dei posteggi per persone con disabilità munite di apposito contrassegno, e ci sono posteggi blu gratuiti nei giorni feriali, a pagamento nei giorni festivi.
Tutto il borgo si sviluppa in salita, con stradine acciottolate e scalinate, pertanto non è attraversabile da persone su sedia a rotelle o da persone con gravi difficoltà deambulatorie. Potete raggiungere il Santuario tramite un ascensore al quale si accede da strada asfaltata, ma ad oggi (02/10/19) risulta fuori uso. Potete visitare il Museo Baroffio, il Museo Pogliaghi o la cripta, ma questi si trovano comunque nel borgo (vi consigliamo di visitare il loro sito internet per sapere gli orari di apertura). In prossimità della Prima Cappella si trova il Centro Mons. Macchi ma anche lì, vi conviene controllare gli orari di apertura.
Written October 2, 2019
Is there any provision for people with walking difficulties?
Written August 11, 2019
you have to get in the car to the square of the sacred mountain and then from there you can visit the church of santa maria del monte since the climb from the sacred road of the chapels is difficult if done on wheels or otherwise because it is all in stone
Written August 11, 2019
Salve, volevo chiedere se la salita è agevole o impegnativa. Grazie
Written May 9, 2019
Buongiorno, siamo la Cooperativa che gestisce questa pagina.
Il Sacro Monte è costituito dal Viale delle Cappelle e dal borgo di Santa Maria del Monte. Il Viale delle Cappelle, è un percorso acciottolato in salita, lungo circa 2 km. Alcuni tratti sono ripidi, pertanto sconsigliati a chi ha difficoltà a camminare, a coloro che sono su sedia a rotelle e bambini nei passeggini. Lungo il percorso si trovano le 14 Cappelle rappresentanti ognuna un mistero del rosario (il Santuario rappresenta la 15ma stazione). Lungo questo strada non ci sono punti di ristoro, ma ci si può sedere lungo i muretti o nei pressi delle cappelle. E' richiesto un comportamento dignitoso in quanto luogo di culto e di pellegrinaggio (sebbene sia all'aperto - accesso gratuito e libero 24/24h e 7/7 gg).
Arrivati in cima ci sono diversi ristoranti e bar dove poteri rifocillare (la maggior parte chiusi il martedì). Potete raggiungere il borgo anche con l'autobus e la funicolare (per quest'ultima consultate il ns sito o quello dell'azienda di trasporti), oppure in auto. Sconsigliamo di raggiungere il luogo in auto durante i weekend in quanto altamente frequentato e dotato di pochi posteggi (a pagamento nei pre festivi e festivi).
Il percorso a piedi del Viale delle Cappelle viene comunque affrontato quotidianamente da famiglie con bambini e persone anziane, purché non abbiano difficoltà a muoversi. Basta prendersi il proprio tempo ed la Via Crucis è fattibile in 1,5 ora / 2 ore.
Written May 21, 2019
Bonjour, nous sommes la coopérative qui gère cette page.
Le Sacro Monte est un lieu public en plein air et vous pouvez y aller avec votre chien. N'oubliez pas de le garder en laisse. De toute évidence, les chiens ne sont pas autorisés dans le sanctuaire.
À bientôt!
Written February 12, 2019
0
voti
Bonjour, nous sommes la coopérative qui gère cette page.
Le Sacro Monte est un lieu public en plein air et vous pouvez y aller avec votre chien. N'oubliez pas de le garder en laisse. De toute évidence, les chiens ne sont pas autorisés dans le sanctuaire.
À bientôt!
Written February 12, 2019
Hello, I am planning a walking holiday in Lombardy in June and I would love any advice. Where should we base ourselves? We will be flying into Bergamo. Varese sounds wonderful but would we have enough trails for 4 or 5 days walking or should we move around?
Thank you.
Written January 4, 2018
I would suggest moving around. Lago Maggiore is within a reasonable distance, Lake Como about 1-1/2 hrs away, and there are a number of Sacro Monte sites in the region as well.
Written January 14, 2018
il percorso a piedi é asfaltato? é possibile percorrerlo con un passeggino? grazie
Written November 6, 2017
Buongiorno, siamo la Cooperativa che gestisce questa pagina. La Via Sacra è un percorso acciottolato in salita, lungo circa 2 km. E' pertanto sconsigliato percorrerla con un passeggino (sarebbe alquanto faticoso). Potete però raggiungere il borgo in auto e provare a percorre l'ultimo tratto in discesa e poi in salita fino alla 14° Cappella (circa 50 mt dalla strada asfaltata), e vedere così se per voi è fattibile ripercorrere tutta la Via Sacra. Tenete conto che anche il borgo ha strade acciottolate, in salita e ricche di scalinate.
Written July 26, 2018
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