Great walk in the Varese neighbourhood with 14 chapels up to the 'Sacro Monte di Varese'. It is a nice walk, that you can decide to take from the bottom to the top as a pilgrim for atonement. If you are less fit, you can decide to start the visit from the top and visit the chapels in the opposite order (if you came by car, a bus would bring you back to the top). It is not easy to see the interior of each chapel, but you will see more clearly on your mobile phone screen, if you put your device on the window glass of each chapel. Definitely a beautiful walk and a moment to think immersed in a nice environment.

Beautiful place for quiet reflection, and a peaceful walk. Amazing view of the surrounding areas too. Would make sure that you are surefooted, and probably not suited for a pram unless it’s a Thule buggy or similar as the cobblestones are quite large. There is also limited parking facilities, so would suggest trying to visit at non peak times too.

Winding mountain road from Varese, beautiful. Once at the top, park on the street (paid) and set yourself loose to explore this historical UNESCO city. Be generous with alloted time,you will need a few hours to go around. Lot of up and down hill walking, bring comfortable shoes.

Great walk uphill, I little tiring but you can definitely do it at your own pace, stopping at each point to rest, enjoy the view, take some photos and drink some water. But GO TO THE TOP. The small village at the top is the cutest with all the alleys and stone walls. Plus the view is just wonderful. I wasn't sooo lucky because there's a bit of fog, so I couldn't see as far, but it was definitely worth it. Might go back to visit the museums and try to get a clearer sky. Plus, the restaurants have really reasonable price (haven't tried any as I took my own lunch). I'd say it takes at least 3 ro 4 hours to truly enjoy all that Sacro Monte offers, whitout the visit on the museums.

Magical place. Follow a cobblestone path along many chapels, in each a depiction of Biblical stories though statues and fresco's. Not all the lights work in the chapels, which makes some art hard to see properly, but it's worth the walk uphill and pressing your head against the glass - especially if you think of the fact that all of these chapels were made in the 1600s. On the top of the hill, you are greeted by the lovely and storylike village of Santa Maria del Monte. There are a few free parking places at the foot of the Sacro Monte di Varese, but parking is reasonably scarce. The walk or "hike light" uphill is not too steep and very doable for anyone with okay condition, but might be challenging for people who have trouble walking up more than two flights of steps. Definitely worth the visit! Santa Maria del Monte is also a great place to start a hike through the national park from, if you want more of a challenge.

Definitely worth a visit if passing by Varese! Take the C bus from the centre to the start of the Sacro Monte trail (you can buy a ticket on the bus for €1.40 - valid for 90mins) where you can begin the walk past the 14 chapels, alternatively you can take a smaller mini bus (on the same ticket) right up to the town. Walking up is steep but not too difficult. The views are very nice and great for photos. There are some restaurants and cafes but in low season most are closed. There are public toilets available.

A must visit site if you find yourselves in the area. A beautiful settlement on top of a hill with a beautiful view of lake Varese and its surroundings. There is a path you can follow to visit each chapel. There are also cafes and restaurants that you can visit to have a nice, drink or a meal while enjoying the view. 5 stars, Highly recommended!

So worth the walk up hills. Very interesting and surprising. Be care if you want to go in Santa Maria del monte church as no short shorts or vest style tops. There is a gift shop up there too. The village is interesting and pretty

Very beautiful panoramic view, the amaizing 14 architecture capellas related to Christian religion, with sculpture installations inside, you can even press the button and turn on the lights inside the installation!) There are also the restaurants on the top, so you can give yourself a reward for climbing on the hill)

Great place to visit if you are around! The "Santuario di Santa Maria del Monte" church on top is a must see! The lack of parking spaces makes it a bit hard to visit. Also if you don't speak Italian it's quite a puzzle to figure out things. All in all; a great experience!

Amazing place to visit. If you wanna spend some time with nature you can go there.

Beautiful place, nice walk, great view. It's a pity that we didn't really find a coffee or restaurant nearby the parking point (First Chapel). I was happy that the church was open. The statues inside the chapels are not easy to watch and there are no English texts.

Wir haben sehr viele Eindrücke gesammelt über die Reichhaltige Gestaltung der 17 Kapellen und Kirchen die schon einige 100 Jahre alt sind. Der Aufstieg in etwas mühsam über die vielen Pflastersteine ( Wer diese damals gelegt hat hat auf jeden Fall reichlich Buße getan ). Der kleine Ort oben ☝️ am Berg ist sehenswert und es gibt einige Restaurants zum Entspannen.

Wunderbar! Der Weg ist steil und erfordert feste Schuhe und Kondition! Für den Rückweg kann man auch gut den Bus nehmen. Am besten wochentags kommen, da es am Wochenende völlig überlaufen ist und man keinen Parkplatz findet.

Ein wunderbarer Ort, auch für Nichtgläubige! Wir sind mit der Standseilbahn hoch und haben einen Tag oben verbracht. Es gibt viel zu bestaunen: Die üppig ausgestattete Kirche, die Krypta mit ihren alten Fresken, das kirchliche Museum und die wunderschön bemalten Kapellen auf dem Büßerweg. Müde vom Staunen findet man ein Plätzchen auf einer Terrasse mit toller Aussicht und einem kühlen Drink!

It is indeed a mystical experience, well over the vernacular and imposant style of Bernasconi sculptural style. Worth the visit once in life

Nice place you can meditate her , a silence place, a historical place.

Great but hidden unesco site that you should visit when in the neighbourhood. It concerns an unpaved road up the mountain which can only be walked. Along this secret way 12 chapels have been build. Each differently and inside being decorated with historical carved statues. It is a nice walk up and very calm and relaxing environment. Parking is a bit problematic but we finally managed to find a place.

Amazing place, you can find there several chapels that tell the story of Jesus and as well you can enjoy fresh air and breathtaking views on Varese

Beautiful and unique place on the exposed mountain ridge, not only a Catholic sanctuary. Unfortunately the amount of false or outdated information makes the place difficult to get to if you do not have a car. Even the main info office in Varese is not up to date with how to get there by bus or bus/funicular. Owners of the houses on the slopes of the mountain are co fused too. I cannot share the information because the options in public transportation change often. The best advice is to check the latest info on line (from last month or week).

It is a pity that the view insight the chapel’s is not better. The way is pictoresc, but would not recommend to climb the 2km with a baby.

Sacro Monte or Sacred Mountain as we Brits would say is a mile long walk up a steep mountain set with 13 chapels at even intervals. Each Chapel has a biblical scene of the events surrounding the birth, death & rising of Jesus. At the top of the mountain are a choice of restaurants with great food with amazing views. The Italian locals love this walk - good for tourists too.

Great experience! Marvellous Panorama to the city, 2.2 km slow walking with contemplation, or meditation running, hiking.

We had the most amazing time visiting Sacro Monte. We were so fortunate to meet a guide who acted as a tour guide for us, his name was Vittorio Valenta. We asked if he had a map and he told us all about the churches and took us to a few. We would have viewed the chapels and enjoyed the experience. But Vittorio made the whole experience come alive with his knowledge and enthusiasm. We have a 12, 10 and 8 year old who hung on every word he said. We can’t thank him enough. We were hoping to say thank you on our way out but he was busy doing exactly the same for another family. Thank you Vittorio it was a highlight of our visit. Gina and Joe (Cardiff, Wales).