Discovering a unique site, a World Heritage Site, also suitable for those who do not travel it for exclusively religious purposes.
La province of Varese hides various jewels for the curious visitor in search of nature, leisure, culture and originality. Among the sites that cannot be missing from the list of Varese wonders is the route of the Via Sacra which leads to the village of Santa Maria del Monte, along a path of 14 stages full of charm, history, art and religiosity.
The sacred Mount of Varese, together with those of Belmonte, Crea, Domodossola, Ghiffa, Oropa, Orta, Ossuccio and Varallo, becomes part of the Unesco list, as a site recognized as a World Heritage Site.
What is a "Sacro Monte"
What is a "Sacro Monte"? Legitimate question for the visitor who is preparing to embark on the journey and wants to consciously go up towards the village. The answer is intuitive: a devotional path uphill, in an area of ​​modest reliefs, which leads to a village or a monastic reality, along which mysteries related to the life and works of Jesus, Mary or the Saints are contemplated.
Is it therefore a suitable path also for those who do not approach exclusively for religious purposes? Sure! Because the prayer structures, chapels and shrines, which adorn these places are wonderful works of art erected between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, perfectly integrated into breathtaking natural landscapes.
Specifically in the Varese devotional path, the Via del Sacro Monte was conceived as a unitary architectural and artistic project starting from 1604, on the initiative of Father Aguggiari and under the general supervision of the architect Giuseppe Bernascone. But tradition has it that the village was already a seat of Marian worship from the early Christian era, that is, since Ambrose, bishop of Milan, founded the first altar in honor of Mary on top of the mountain, as thanks for the victory over the Arians.
To see
Today the Via Sacra is traveled by the visitor who is passionate about art, by the tourist in search of landscapes to photograph, by the devotee who walks through it, re-reading its original spirituality, by schoolchildren who came to study600th century Lombard art, from the local who runs up to keep fit.
The devotional path of the Rosary provides 15 stages, corresponding to the 15 mysteries of the life of Mary: 5 Joyful corresponding to the happy moments of Mary's life, 5 Painful corresponding to the tragic moments of the Passion of Jesus and 5 Glorious, or the moments of the Assumption into heaven and the Coronation of the Virgin.
15 stages therefore corresponding to 14 chapels, masterpieces of painting and sculpture, to which 15 coinciding with the great Sanctuary is added.
Before the final stop and the village, however, be careful not to miss a marvel of art and collecting from the end of the 800th century: after the 14 chapel, on the left side of the avenue, in the shade of a large cedar of Lebanon, is theentrance to the House Museum of the multifaceted artist, sculptor, set designer and eccentric collector Lodovico Pogliaghi. Its name is indisputably linked to his most famous work, the central bronze door of Milan Cathedral.
Milanese by origin and training, very devoted to Maria, he came to the Sacro Monte and never wanted to leave, planning and building his Atelier, his home, and the place for exhibiting his collectibles here.
Finally, upon reaching the village, right next to the sanctuary, a small balcony opens up which gives access to the Baroffio Museum and the Sanctuary from which you can also visit the crypt below the church.
Access to the Via Sacra is free and open. At the museum sites there are ticketing services (5 € the single museum, 12 € cumulative), guided tour and bookshop: the social networks and the official website (http://www.sacromontedivarese.it/) provide contact details for reservations, timetables seasonal and extraordinary opening times as well as information on special events.
How to reach us
From Milan: A8 “Milano-Laghi” motorway, Varese centro, Gazzada or Azzate exit.
From Novara: highway A26 to Gallarate then highway A8 exit Varese centro, Gazzada or Azzate
From Como: SS342
Addresses to be entered on the navigator: Varese, Piazzale Pogliaghi (upper part of Sacro Monte), or Varese via prima Cappella (beginning of Viale delle Cappelle).
From the base of the route (Via Prima Cappella) it is possible to go up directly to the village by funicular or public transport - Line C.
Practical tips
The path is cobbled and uphill, as are the alleys of the village. Comfortable shoes are recommended! For parents who want to go up with small children we do not recommend the stroller, better a practical baby carrier to avoid jolts and any kind of difficulty in the climb!
