• Art & Culture
    • Religious Tourism

The Fourteen Chapels of the Sacro Monte di Varese

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT

 

Why not take a journey through time and the spirit, and discover the hidden wonders of the Sacro Monte di Varese? This site, one of the “Sacri Monti” [Sacred Mountains] on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is steeped in history, worship, and art, and offers a spiritual and artistic route visiting the fourteen chapels that reproduce the Mysteries of the Rosary.

 

Each one is an architectural and religious masterpiece and together, they create a unique journey. They embody religious faith and were built over the centuries to show episodes from the life of Jesus Christ. They are also an extraordinary expression of art, created by great artists and architects. 
This itinerary will show you more of the history of these chapels, exploring their deep spiritual importance and looking in greater detail at the stunning artworks they contain. What makes it unique is its ability to transport visitors into a world suspended between heaven and earth, between the sacred and the profane. Visiting these fourteen chapels allows you to experience the ancient traditions of pilgrimage and contemplation, immersed in the mystical atmosphere of the Sacro Monte.
Get ready for an extraordinary experience that will take you on a journey through the history of the chapels on the Sacro Monte di Varese.
 

 

Chapel One - Annunciation
The First Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese is the chapel of the Annunciation, dedicated to the first joyful mystery of the Rosary, and it represents the start of the grand Via Sacra [Holy Way].

Scopri di più
Chapel Two - Visitation
The Second Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese is dedicated to the Visitation. Built in 1605, from designs by Giuseppe Bernascone, the chapel has a rectangular layout and it is positioned parallel to the Via Sacra, which is why visitors first see the right side of the building and its sundial.
(Ph: Antonio Zaffaroni)

Scopri di più
Chapel Three - Nativity
The Third Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese is dedicated to the Nativity and was built in 1605. It features grandiose architecture that reflects the importance of the event represented. The chapel is oval in shape with a large portico at the entrance, which serves a dual purpose, both as a space for reflection and a shelter for pilgrims.

Scopri di più
Chapel Four – Presentation at the Temple
The Fourth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to the Presentation at the Temple, is the work of Giuseppe Bernascone. Its panoramic position on the bend leading up to the Fifth Chapel, offers a view out on the Olona Valley, blending perfectly into the surrounding atmosphere.

Scopri di più
Chapel Five – The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
The Fifth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to the Finding of Jesus in the Temple, is an imposing building at the top of a steep road from the Fourth Chapel, and offers views over Varese. The people of Varese were responsible for its construction, although the donations came in slowly and the building was only completed in 1623, after works began in 1607.

Scopri di più
Chapel Six - Jesus Praying in the Garden
The Sixth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to Jesus Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, shows the first of the Sorrowful Mysteries. The building features a sober architectural style with rectangular main structure, a portico decorated with an elegant curved top, and an oval apse on the back. The chapel stands on a terrace with balustrade, and its position required complex work of engineering, supervised by the architect, Bernascone, for over twenty years.
(Ph: Antonio Zaffaroni)

Scopri di più
Chapel Seven - The Scourging at the Pillar
The Seventh Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to the Scouring at the Pillar, was one of the first to be completed in 1609, thanks to the noble patrons of the arts, Francesco and Girolamo Litta.

Scopri di più
Chapel Eight - The Crowning with the Thorns
The Eighth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to the Crowning with the thorns, features an octagonal layout and a cylindrical structure with windows. Steps at the side invite visitors to go up to the portico. To the sides of the chapel are two more windows, following a layout already used on other chapels in the area.
(Ph: Antonio Zaffaroni)

Scopri di più
Chapel Nine - Jesus Climbs the Calvary
The Ninth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to Jesus Climbing the Calvary, has a stairway into the house and a portico with three arches on columns, but the stand-out element is the now damaged fresco of the Ecce Homo, completed in 1686 by Milanese artist, Stefano Maria Legnani.
(Ph: Antonio Zaffaroni)

Scopri di più
Chapel Ten - The Crucifixion
The Tenth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to the Crucifixion of Christ, completed in 1623, stands at the top of a long climb, which ends just before turning suddenly to the right. Visitors are immediately struck by the large portico occupying the entire width of the chapel.
(Ph: Antonio Zaffaroni)

Scopri di più
Chapel Eleven - The Resurrection
The Eleventh Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ and finished before 1622, has a slender structure with a façade that is parallel to the road, and a portico with arches, of which the one in the centre is the widest. The chapel entrance is at the top of a stairway leading to a window with three lights. .
(Ph: Antonio Zaffaroni)

Scopri di più
Chapel Twelth: the Ascension of Christ
The Twelfth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to the Ascension of Christ and built after 1624, stands out for its strategic position along the Via Sacra. The façade is slightly turned to the left, suggesting the continuation of the road past the chapel, creating a considerable scenographic effect.
(Ph: Antonio Zaffaroni)

Scopri di più
Chapel Thirteen - The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Thirteenth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese, dedicated to the Pentecost, is a notable architectural example. Built after 1624, it stands out for its central position along the Via Sacro. Its octagonal layout and large portico invite pilgrims to explore the scene of the Pentecost depicted inside the chapel itself.

Scopri di più
Chapel Fourteen - The Assumption of Mary
The Fourteenth Chapel of the Sacro Monte di Varese is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. It was built in 1610 and is the final stage in the Via Sacra, since the fifteenth mystery is located inside the sanctuary.

Scopri di più

On the same topic

Show all

Lombardy, land of science and engineering

A journey of discovery through the history of technology in Lombardy
Lombardy, land of science and engineering - Diga del Panperduto
  • Art & Culture

Museums Milan

A list of museums that we recommend to visit, from paintings to statues, from technology to nature
Museums Milan, tips and hints
  • Art & Culture

The Legend of the Giubiana

The Giubiana festival is a very popular tradition in Lombardy
Traditions in Como: The legend of the Giubiana
  • Art & Culture

Milan, a novel city

Discovering the writers of the past, between the places and the atmospheres of Milan that have inspired great masterpieces of literature
Casa Museo Manzoni, Milano
  • Art & Culture

Theatre: what’s on stage in Lombardy 

In Lombardy, theatres are opening up safely: here are some of the must-see shows and festivals
Teatro: chi è di scena in Lombardia
  • Art & Culture

Diocesan Museum

Pre-view of the exhibited art-works
  • Art & Culture

Museums in Lombardy

Some suggestions on museums to visit in Milan and outside the Lombard capital
Museums in Lombardy, suggestions on cultural tourism
  • Art & Culture

Castles Brescia

From Sirmione to Breno, from Desenzano to Padernello, a journey through the fortified manors to the discovery of local history
Castles Brescia, discovering Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

Not to be missed: Top 12 tourist attractions in Milan

  • Art & Culture

11 addresses for villas and parks

Relive the charm of the past between villas, parks and castles in Lombardy
Magical places in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

Milan and its bridges

  • Art & Culture

Sondrio, the legend of Orlando

Castel Masegra is an imposing building which sits atop a 60m-tall rock, dominating the Sondrio skyline
Sondrio Castello Masegra
  • Art & Culture

Angera and the Open Air Museum

A beautiful lakefront and a very picturesque aura in the province of Varese
Visit Angera and surroundings: some tips
  • Art & Culture

The life in a farm

Come and discover the charm of an ancient farm!
  • Art & Culture

Museums Lecco

Known above all for 'I Promessi Sposi' by Manzoni, Lecco is also rich in history and culture to be discovered in the Civic Museums
Museums Lecco, exploring Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

Literary suggestions in Lombardy

Wandering around the region, among places, cities and events that have inspired great authors
Literary suggestions in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

Castles Bergamo

Bergamo saw in the past the proliferation of fortifications. Many, today, castles to visit
Castles Bergamo, discovering Lombardy
  • Art & Culture

Seven castles in Lombardy

From Lake Garda to Valtellina by way of Milan. Among crenellated walls, towers and porticoed loggias
Castello Sforzesco a Milano
  • Art & Culture

A visit to Cerreto Abbey

Cerreto Abbey: a Cistercian jewel of the province of Lodi 
Una visita all’Abbazia del Cerreto
  • Art & Culture

Vaprio d adda

Halfway between Bergamo and Milan it is located on the border between the two provinces marked by the river Adda, on the Milanese side
Vaprio d'Adda
  • Art & Culture