Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
By Abigail Dalton
What are the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy?
The Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) of Piedmont and Lombardy are a group of hillside chapels containing important artistic works, including detailed wall paintings and life-sized statues.
Construction began in the late Middle Ages and continued into the early Renaissance, during a time when pilgrimage to the Holy Land was becoming more difficult. To offer an alternative, the Sacri Monti were created as places of prayer and reflection within Europe.
Each of the Sacred Mountains features a series of chapels and devotional spaces, decorated with paintings and sculptures by some of the most important Piedmontese and Lombard artists of the time.
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There are nine Sacri Monti in total, all located in northern Italy. The first was the Sacro Monte of Varallo, built in 1480, which later became the model for the rest. Here is the complete list:
- Belmonte: Sacro Monte di Belmonte, Valperga Canavese
- Crea: Sacro Monte di S.Maria Assunta di Serralunga di Crea
- Domodossola: Sacro Monte Calvario
- Ghiffa: Sacro Monte della SS.Trinità
- Oropa: Sacro Monte della Beata Vergine di Oropa
- Orta: Sacro Monte di San Francesco d’Orta San Giulio
- Ossuccio: Sacro Monte della Beata Vergine del Soccorso
- Varallo: Sacro Monte o “Nuova Gerusalemme” di Varallo Sesia
- Varese: Sacro Monte del Rosario di Varese
All the Sacri Monti are marked on the map below. As you can see, they are quite close to each other and the border with Switzerland.
Why are the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy are on UNESCO’s World Heritage list due to their outstanding cultural, artistic, and spiritual value. These sites combine religious devotion, art, and architecture within beautiful natural landscapes – all built for reflection, pilgrimage, and teaching during a key moment in Catholic history.
According to UNESCO, “The implementation of architecture and sacred art into a natural landscape for didactic and spiritual purposes achieved its most exceptional expression in the Sacri Monti (‘Sacred Mountains’) of Northern Italy.” The scenes created within the chapels depict key episodes from the lives of Jesus, Mary, or the Saints, making the sites not only places of worship but also an incredible open-air museum of religious art.
Furthermore, the Sacri Monti stand out for how they blend architecture and nature. Each chapel is built into hillsides and forests. It’s the settings themselves which are part of the spiritual journey, designed to guide pilgrims through a reflective path.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the chapels are preserved not only for their beauty but for the role they played in religious life, particularly during the Counter-Reformation. They’re a powerful example of how landscape, faith, and creativity came together to shape something unique. For the most part, they have remained unchanged since their creation.
What can you expect on a visit to the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy?
Upon visiting any one of these Sacred Mountains, expect panoramic natural beauty, peaceful walking paths and individual chapels blending religion, history and art.
Varallo
Perched high above the town of Varallo, this is the original – and most elaborate – of the nine Sacred Mountains. There are 44 chapels here, filled with life-size wooden and polychrome terracotta statues, plus vivid frescoes that tell the story of Jesus’ life and passion.
The layout mimics a miniature Jerusalem, with chapels clustered around a central square and others scattered into the woods.
Though many of the statues are weathered by time, they still capture powerful themes of devotion, pain, and hope. The artistry is incredible for the era: raw, expressive, and often dramatic.
The location is also worth noting, with sweeping views over the Valsesia Valley, it’s a wonderful site to visit, not only for the religious aspects but also the natural beauty. The Sacred Mountain can be reached by walking a steep, winding path or hopping on the quick cable car from Varallo town.
Book a guided tour of Varallo.
Orta
Set on a peaceful hill overlooking Lake Orta, this site is more tranquil and intimate than the original. There are 20 chapels here, each dedicated to episodes from the life of St Francis of Assisi.
It’s a lovely, contemplative walk through the woodland, with scenic lake views and plenty of spots to sit and reflect. It’s less theatrical than Varallo, more connected to the surrounding nature, but still beautiful and moving in its own way.
Information on the following Sacri Monti is not yet available. If you’re a blogger and can contribute 200-250 words about any of them, with a photo, please contact rachel(at)rachelsruminations(dot)com.
Belmonte
Crea
Domodossola
Ghiffa
Oropa
Ossuccio
Varese
Are the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy worth visiting?
The Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy are absolutely 100% worth visiting, not just for their religious significance, but for the peaceful atmosphere, the artwork, and the stunning natural settings.
You don’t need to be religious to appreciate them. These sites bring biblical stories to life through sculpture and fresco, and walking from chapel to chapel feels like stepping into a living museum set in nature. The combination of history, storytelling, and mountain views makes them really special.
Whether you’re into art, history, or just enjoy unique, off-the-beaten-path places, the Sacri Monti deliver. The craftsmanship is incredible, and the settings – usually on a hillside overlooking valleys or lakes – are picture-perfect.
What sorts of travellers would like the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy?
For those into religious history, sacred art, or peaceful walking trails, these sites are definitely for you. But honestly, even if that’s not normally your thing, I’d still recommend visiting one.
They’re ideal for slow travellers, culture lovers, photographers, or anyone looking for something meaningful and a bit different. It’s also a great stop if you’re road tripping through Northern Italy and want to break up the usual towns and lakes with something unique.
They’re not flashy or touristy, but that’s what makes them so memorable.
Tips for visiting the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
It’s possible to visit the Sacred Mountains year-round, but the best time is during the warmer months (May to October). In winter, some sites may be covered in snow or difficult to access, especially those at higher elevations, with temperatures at or below freezing. Spring and early autumn offer a nice balance of mild weather and fewer crowds.
It’s important to time your visit right to get the most out of the experience; mornings or late afternoons are usually quieter. If you’re visiting during summer, early mornings are also cooler and more pleasant for walking.
When it comes to exploring the Sacri Monte, they are all relatively accessible. However, most of the Sacri Monti involve a walk through woodland paths or hillsides. It’s not strenuous, but there’s a fair bit of walking, and some uneven ground, so wear comfortable shoes.
Some sites have cafés or vending machines nearby but not all, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks and drinks. There are sitting areas, benches and some even have areas for picnics.
Don’t rush, as each site is worth exploring slowly. The beauty of the Sacri Monti is in the details: the painted scenes, the silence, the changing views as you walk.
These sites are religious, and many people come here to reflect or pray, so keep voices low, and if you’re taking photos, be discreet.
It’s also worth checking opening hours as some chapels or interior scenes may close during the off-season or lunch hours. Varallo, in particular, has different parts open at different times.
Where are the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy?
The Sacri Monti are in the northern Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, mostly perched on hillsides with stunning views.
In Piedmont there is the Sacro Monte di Varallo, the oldest and most dramatic of them all, located in Varallo Sesia, about 2 hours by car from Milan or 2.5 from Genoa. The Sacro Monte di Orta overlooks Lake Orta and is about 1.5 hours from Milan. Sacro Monte di Domodossola is close to the Swiss border.
In Lombardy, Sacro Monte di Varese is just over an hour from Milan while Sacro Monte di Ossuccio overlooks Lake Como. It would combine well with a visit to towns like Lenno or Menaggio.
Find accommodations near Lake Como.
You might be able to combine visits to one or more of the Sacri Monti with seeing other UNESCO sites, especially if you travel by car. For example, Bellinzona in Switzerland, with its three castle-fortresses, is about an hour from Varese and about an hour and a half from Ossuccio. The palaces in the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy UNESCO site are scattered around the outskirts of the city of Turin, and both Belmonte and Crea are not far from Turin either.
Many Sacri Monti can be visited as day trips from Milan, Turin or even Genoa (especially if you have a car), or you can base yourself in one of the nearby lakeside towns for a slower trip.
Find accommodations in Milan, Turin or Genoa.
For more information about the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, see their official website.
Have you been to any of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!