【World Heritage】What is the charm of the Sacri Monti?｜Pilgrimage sites of the Sacred Mountains!

Italy has the World Heritage Site “Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.” These are former pilgrimage sites built on mountaintops. In Italian, “Sacri Monte” means “Sacred Mountain,” and “Monti” is the plural form. Many such complexes were built in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions of Italy. While some are grand and luxurious, most are relatively simple and modest.

The World Heritage “Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy” introduced in this article consists of nine locations in total. In the past, some were built on steep cliffs that were difficult to climb, but nowadays, the paths have been improved, making them easier for tourists to visit. Let’s take a closer look at the Sacri Monti below.

What are the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy?

The World Heritage Site “Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy” in Italy consists of religious buildings constructed on mountaintops between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These places have been visited by people as sacred sites since ancient times. At the time, Jerusalem, the holy city of Christianity, was under Islamic control by the Ottoman Empire. Catholics in Europe, instead of making pilgrimages to Jerusalem, would visit the Sacri Monti. In 2003, seven locations in Piedmont and two in Lombardy—a total of nine sites—were inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

Each church has its own unique features in design, scenery, sculpture, and paintings, expressing various aspects of the Christian faith. The impetus for their construction came after the conclusions of the Council of Trent in 1535, as a way to maintain Catholic influence against Protestantism. The construction of eight Sacred Mountains began, and over time they became religious authorities in their own right.

Access to the Sacri Monti

Here is how to access one of the most famous sites among the World Heritage “Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy,” the Sacro Monte of Varallo. The best way to get to the World Heritage Site of Varallo is from Milan. From Milan Central Station, take the EuroCity to Novara, transfer, and get off at Varallo Sesia Station. The journey from Milan takes about 90 minutes.

From there, you can reach the World Heritage Site “Sacro Monte of Varallo” either by cable car or on foot via a promenade. Walking takes only about 20 minutes, so it’s not too far. You can also take a taxi to the entrance of the Sacro Monte.

Highlight of the Sacri Monti ①: Sacro Monte of Varallo

The World Heritage Site “Sacro Monte of Varallo” is located on Mount Tre Croci at an elevation of 608 m. It was founded in 1491 by Father Caimi and is the oldest and largest Sacro Monte in Piedmont. Over the next 200 years, nearby chapels and additional religious facilities were built. The recommended route is to first visit the 45 chapels nestled in the greenery, then view the “Passion of Christ.”

The World Heritage “Sacro Monte of Varallo” is fascinating for its solemn sculptures and magnificent religious paintings. You will also find terracotta sculptures and deep frescoes scattered around, all of which are worth seeing. As you admire the craftsmanship of medieval European artisans, you can truly experience the splendor of Italian art. In 1578, the Archbishop of Milan, Saint Carlo Borromeo, was so moved by this Sacro Monte that he called it the “New Jerusalem”—a grand historical episode.

Highlight of the Sacri Monti ②: San Giulio Island and the town of Orta

The town on San Giulio Island is also one of the World Heritage “Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.” About 20 chapels were built here between 1591 and 1770. In addition, the island of San Giulio, floating in the middle of Lake Orta in Italy’s lake district, is home to a preserved church. The most beautiful view of the lake and the island is said to be from the Sacro Monte located on the west side of the lake.

The church on San Giulio Island, just a short boat ride from the town, was built in the 4th century and is adorned with magnificent frescoes inside. Its black marble pulpit is another highlight. The combination of the small town and the island enhances its mystical atmosphere as a pilgrimage site. With beautiful villas and gardens, the peaceful streets can be explored in about 45 minutes on foot, so if you have time, it’s worth a stroll.

◎ Summary

We have introduced the World Heritage “Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.” As the name “Sacred Mountain” suggests, each site is enveloped in a mystical atmosphere. Here, we focused on the “Sacro Monte of Varallo” and “San Giulio Island and the town of Orta,” but there are many other fascinating Sacri Monti to explore. This concludes our introduction to the World Heritage “Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.”

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【World Heritage】What is the charm of the Sacri Monti?｜Pilgrimage sites of the Sacred Mountains!