Sacro monte di Arona, Baroque religious sanctuary in Arona, Italy
Sacro Monte di Arona is a baroque religious complex built on a hilltop overlooking Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. It comprises several chapels and a main church that form a unified worship space.
Construction began in 1614 under the direction of Cardinal Federico Borromeo, though only three of the fifteen planned chapels were ever finished. The project faced repeated interruptions that prevented its completion.
The site honors San Carlo Borromeo through its layout and religious function, which remains deeply connected to local devotion. You can sense this dedication in how the chapels are arranged and how people use the space for prayer.
You can reach the site by walking up a path from the town of Arona to the hilltop where the complex stands. The route is accessible on foot, though conditions vary depending on weather and season.
The main altar features a painting by Giulio Cesare Procaccini, a notable artist of the 17th century. A stairway connects the sanctuary to the adjacent seminary of Saint Charles.
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