Sanctuary of Santa Maria Addolorata del Sacro Monte di Brissago, with Stations of the Cross, Baroque church and calvary hill in Brissago, Switzerland.
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria Addolorata del Sacro Monte di Brissago is a baroque church with a calvary pathway situated on a hillside above Lake Maggiore. The complex includes fourteen chapel stations depicting the Passion of Christ, connected by a marked walking route that guides visitors through these scenes.
The complex developed in the 17th century as a pilgrimage site and expanded over time to include the complete fourteen stations. The baroque church and its stations reflect the religious reform movement that spread devotional sites across Europe during this period.
The sanctuary serves as a center for Catholic devotion in the region, drawing visitors who walk the fourteen stations in prayer and reflection. The chapels along the path allow people to participate in this form of spiritual practice that has been maintained here for generations.
The stations are freely accessible and follow a clearly marked path that runs from the church upward through the hillside. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the route climbs, and the visit can be combined with a walk along the lakeside promenade.
The site holds Class A status as a cultural property of national significance, ranking it among the most important religious monuments in Ticino canton. This designation highlights how this pilgrimage site reflects Switzerland's religious heritage.
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