Vellone–Sacro Monte funicular, Funicular railway in Varese, Italy.
Description
The Vellone-Sacro Monte funicular is a cable railway in Varese that connects the Vellone valley to a hilltop village and sanctuary. The route spans 371 meters and features a passing loop to allow cars to cross.
History
The cable railway first opened in May 1909 to serve the growing pilgrimage traffic to the hilltop sanctuary. Following decades of intermittent closures and maintenance work, it returned to service with modern equipment in recent years.
Culture
This route leads to the Sacro Monte di Varese, where a collection of chapels and a sanctuary have drawn pilgrims for centuries. Visitors experience the spiritual role this site holds as they move through the different stations and approach the main sanctuary.
Practical
The journey takes about three minutes and climbs a steep slope to reach the top station. Check current operating times before your visit, as schedules may vary throughout the year.
Did you know?
This railway climbs at an incline steeper than 56 percent, rising about 168 meters (551 feet) over its short route. The extreme angle makes it a notable engineering accomplishment for its time and an intense experience for riders.
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Sacro Monte di Varese
327 m
Mount Campo dei Fiori
813 m
Santa Maria del Monte sanctuary
272 m
Vellone–Campo dei Fiori funicular
448 m
Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi
370 m
Museo Baroffio e del Sacro Monte
252 m
Villa Agosteo
1 km
Fontana del Mosè
344 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: IX Cappella
619 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: X Cappella
524 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: IV Cappella
1.1 km
Sacro Monte di Varese: XIII Cappella
634 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: II Cappella
1 km
Sacro Monte di Varese: XI Cappella
636 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: XIV Cappella
483 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: V Cappella
936 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: XII Cappella
733 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: VII Cappella
857 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: VIII Cappella
715 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: I Cappella
1.1 km
Monte San Francesco in Pertica
543 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: I Arco
1.1 km
Sacro Monte di Varese: Fontana della Samaritana
1.1 km
Arco di S. Carlo
901 m
Chiesa dell'Immacolata Concezione
1.2 km
Sacro Monte di Varese: III Arco
598 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: VI Cappella
925 m
Sacro Monte di Varese: III Cappella
966 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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