Sacro Monte di Varese, Religious pilgrimage site in Varese, Italy
Sacro Monte di Varese is a sanctuary featuring fourteen chapels spread across a two-kilometer cobblestone path that climbs 600 meters up a mountain. The path leads upward to the summit sanctuary, where the final chapels stand and views of the surrounding landscape open up.
The sanctuary originated in the fourth century from a small chapel built by Sant'Ambrogio and was expanded into a Romanesque sanctuary by the eleventh century. The fourteen chapels visible today were added later and reflect shifts in faith and artistic expression over time.
Each chapel along the path represents a Mystery of the Rosary and displays architectural styles ranging from Mannerism to Baroque, created by different Italian artists. Together, these buildings guide visitors through sacred stations while remaining integrated with the mountain environment.
Visitors can reach the mountain through hiking trails or by driving up, with a funicular railway also operating on weekends. The ascent takes time and effort, but the path is walkable and well-maintained, regardless of which route you choose.
The chapels were specifically designed to be viewed from the exterior, with their architecture complementing rather than overwhelming the natural mountain setting. This approach is unusual in the design of pilgrimage sites and sets this place apart.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
