Sacro Monte of Varese

A journey through art, spirituality and landscape

Whilst staying in Mozzate, you can set aside a day to explore a place where architecture, painting and sculpture interact with the landscape. Since 2003, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy.

The Avenue of the Chapels

Fourteen chapels along the Via Sacra

The Viale delle Cappelle is a cobbled path leading up to the sanctuary. The fourteen chapels depict the Mysteries of the Rosary through scenes composed of statues and frescoes; the fifteenth mystery is celebrated in the sanctuary.

The depictions can be viewed from the outside, through the openings and protective grilles. As you walk from chapel to chapel, you can linger over the figures, their expressions and the details that bring the story to life.

Length and characteristics of the climb

The route is approximately two kilometres long and has an elevation gain of around 250 metres. It is a climb best tackled on foot, with a cobbled surface that requires caution and suitable footwear.

The time taken depends on your pace and any stops you make at the chapels: please regard the walk as part of the visit. For the return journey, you can retrace your steps along the avenue or consider the transport links available from the upper part of the town.

The village of Santa Maria del Monte and the sanctuary

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte is the route’s final destination and a place of worship that is still active today. A visit to the interior allows you to discover the religious heart of the complex, whilst respecting the spaces and the timetable of the services.

You can also stop off in the village without completing the entire ascent, devoting your visit to the sanctuary, the museums and the viewpoints.

Museums to visit at Sacro Monte

The Lodovico Pogliaghi House Museum

The Pogliaghi House Museum offers visitors the chance to step into the world of an artist and collector. The rooms bring together works of art, objects and artefacts from different eras and cultures, alongside works by Lodovico Pogliaghi himself.

The studio houses the original plaster model of the central door of Milan Cathedral, one of his best-known works. It is a must-see for anyone wishing to complement their tour of the chapels with a visit dedicated to artistic creation.

The Baroffio Museum and the Sanctuary

The Baroffio Museum tells the story of Santa Maria del Monte through the sanctuary’s heritage and the collections acquired over the years. Works linked to the local area are complemented by Flemish and Dutch paintings and a section dedicated to 20th-century religious art. The visit thus broadens the narrative of the Sacro Monte beyond the chapels, showcasing the diversity of its collections.

How to choose your tour route

If you’d prefer to limit the uphill walk, reach the upper part using the available transport links and focus on the village itself. This option doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll avoid steps and slopes: the village, sanctuary and museums each have different access points.

The Viale delle Cappelle is freely accessible; the museums, however, have their own opening hours and admission procedures.

Discover the city of Varese too

In the guide dedicated to Varese, you will find the main attractions of the ‘Garden City’ and a suggested itinerary.

How to get to Sacro Monte from Mozzate

To reach the village by car, head for Piazzale Pogliaghi. From here, continue on foot towards the entrances to the village and the sanctuary.

Those using public transport may wish to consider the train service from Mozzate to Varese, followed by local bus services. The funicular offers an alternative way up when it is operating: please check the current timetable, as it does not run every day.

Villa dei Ricordi: stay in Mozzate to explore the Varese area

Villa dei Ricordi offers a range of distinctive apartments within a historic residence in Mozzate. During your stay, you can alternate visits to Sacro Monte with trips to Varese, Torba and Castelseprio or the walks in Pineta Park.