The Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy: more than places to visit, experiences to live
On 21 May 2025 by SilviaThe Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy are not just places to visit – they are experiences to live. Trails winding through woods and hills, frescoed chapels that tell stories of faith through art, and landscapes that invite contemplation.
Stretching between Piedmont and Lombardy lies one of Europe’s most fascinating spiritual heritages: the Sacri Monti, or Sacred Mountains, recognized by UNESCO as unique cultural and landscape treasures.
Whether you’re seeking silence, beauty, or inspiration, this journey through the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy will surprise you. In this guide, we’ll take you through the most remarkable sites — from Varallo to Varese — to uncover what makes them so special, and why visiting them today is more relevant than ever.
What are the Sacri Monti?
In the heart of the Alps and Pre-Alps, in constant dialogue between nature and spirituality, rise the Sacri Monti: devotional complexes made up of a series of frescoed chapels, often immersed in woodland or set along panoramic routes.
Built between the late 15th and 17th centuries, these sacred mountains were meant to offer pilgrims a symbolic alternative to traveling to the Holy Land. Each chapel recounts an episode from the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or the saints, through sculptures and paintings that blend popular devotion with Renaissance artistry.
Today, the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, linked by a narrative thread that weaves together architecture, faith, and landscape. Walking among these stations is not only a religious act — it’s a deep cultural experience, perfect for those who appreciate places filled with history and silence.
The Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy: list and highlights
There are nine UNESCO-listed Sacri Monti, seven in Piedmont and two in Lombardy. Each one has its own identity, but they all follow a similar structure: an uphill path with multiple stations, leading visitors through frescoed chapels, forests, and breathtaking viewpoints.
The Sacred Mountains of Piedmont
Piedmont hosts the majority of the Italian Sacri Monti, scattered across the provinces of Vercelli, Biella, Alessandria, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, and Turin.
- Sacro Monte di Varallo (VC)
The oldest of all: a true “miniature Calvary,” built starting in 1491. It features 45 chapels and over 800 painted sculptures. - Sacro Monte di Orta (NO)
Dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, it overlooks Lake Orta with a peaceful, meditative path through greenery. - Sacro Monte di Crea (AL)
A Marian devotion site in the Monferrato region, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. - Sacro Monte di Oropa (BI)
Connected to the famous Marian Sanctuary near Biella, it unfolds among ancient trees and narrates scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. - Sacro Monte di Ghiffa (VB)
Lesser known but highly atmospheric, it overlooks Lake Maggiore and is surrounded by a protected natural area. - Sacro Monte di Domodossola (VB)
A spiritual walk connecting the town to Colle Mattarella, with chapels dedicated to the Way of the Cross. - Sacro Monte di Belmonte (TO)
The only one west of the Po River, it rises on a hill near Valperga and offers sweeping views over the Canavese plain.
The Sacred Mountains of Lombardy
Lombardy is home to two equally significant sacred mountains, both set in lush greenery with stunning lake views.
- Sacro Monte di Varese (VA)
A classic pilgrimage route: 14 chapels ascend to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte. A favorite path also for nature lovers and casual walkers. - Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (CO)
A more compact site, overlooking Lake Como, with chapels illustrating scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Why visit the Sacred Mountains today?
In a time when people are rediscovering slow travel, immersive experiences, and mindful tourism, the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy offer an authentic alternative to crowded destinations.
These are not places to rush through — but to inhabit, even if only for a few hours. These sacri monti are paths that merge spirituality with beauty, nature with culture, art with silence.
Each ascent to a Sacred Mountain is also an inward journey. Your pace naturally adapts to the landscape, the chapels speak to both believers and non-believers, while the woods and views offer space to breathe — truly.
From May to October, these routes are ideal for day hikes, even with children, and often lead to some of the most scenic viewpoints in Piedmont and Lombardy. Whether you choose Varallo, Varese, or Ossuccio, you’ll take home more than just beautiful memories.
Accessibility and parking
Piedmont
- Sacro Monte di Varallo (VC)
Reachable by car up to the summit parking area. Limited traffic zone (ZTL) with paid parking (€1.50/hour). - Sacro Monte di Orta (NO)
Accessible by car to nearby parking areas. Paid parking from 9:00 a.m. to midnight; hourly rate €2.00; daily rate €10.00. - Sacro Monte di Crea (AL)
Accessible by car up to parking lots near the Sanctuary. Free parking available year-round. - Sacro Monte di Oropa (BI)
You can drive to the Sanctuary of Oropa, which has ample parking. The Sacred Mountain, located just before the sanctuary on the left, is only accessible on foot. - Sacro Monte di Ghiffa (VB)
Reachable by car via the hamlet of Ronco. Nearby parking areas are available; entrance is free and unrestricted. - Sacro Monte di Domodossola (VB)
Accessible by car to nearby parking lots; free access and entrance. - Sacro Monte di Belmonte (TO)
You can park at the start of the Via dei Piloni, then walk the trail that leads to the Sacred Mountain.
Lombardy
- Sacro Monte di Varese (VA)
Accessible by car to the Sant’Ambrogio district, where several parking options are available. From there, visitors walk up the Viale delle Cappelle. - Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (CO)
Reachable by car up to a parking area near the fourth chapel; the cobblestone road continues from there, closed to traffic.
Final note on accessibility
Most of the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy are reachable by car up to parking lots located close to the devotional routes. However, to truly appreciate the spiritual and scenic experience these places offer, walking the trails between chapels is strongly recommended.
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