Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
www.sacrimonti.net

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2003
Size of heritage: 91 ha
- Buffer zone: 722 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 9,170°
Latitude: 45,975°

Summary

The nine Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) of northern Italy are groups of chapels and other architectural features created in the late 16th and 17th centuries and dedicated to different aspects of the Christian faith. In addition to their symbolic spiritual meaning, they are of great beauty by virtue of the skill with which they have been integrated into the surrounding natural landscape of hills, forests and lakes. They also house much important artistic material in the form of wall paintings and statuary.

Location on Map

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Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy

The Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy are a group of nine religious complexes located in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont in Italy. These sites were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 due to their exceptional cultural and artistic value.

History

The Sacri Monti, meaning "Sacred Mountains," were built between the 16th and 17th centuries as places of pilgrimage and devotion. They were created in response to the Counter-Reformation, a period when the Catholic Church sought to reassert its influence and combat the spread of Protestantism.

The complexes were designed to replicate the Holy Land and provide a spiritual journey for pilgrims who were unable to make the long and dangerous journey to Jerusalem. Each Sacro Monte consists of a series of chapels or small churches, usually located on a hill or mountain, depicting scenes from the life of Christ or the Virgin Mary.

The construction of the Sacri Monti was a collaborative effort between architects, painters, and sculptors, resulting in a unique fusion of architecture, painting, and sculpture. The artists employed various styles, including Baroque, Mannerism, and Rococo, to create elaborate and visually stunning religious artworks.

Current State

Today, the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy continue to be important pilgrimage sites and are also popular tourist destinations. The sites are well-preserved and offer visitors a glimpse into the religious and artistic history of the region.

Each Sacro Monte is unique in its design and artistic style. For example, the Sacro Monte di Varallo in Piedmont is the oldest and largest of the complexes, featuring 45 chapels and over 800 life-sized statues. The Sacro Monte di Orta, also in Piedmont, is known for its picturesque location on Lake Orta and its beautiful views.

Visitors to the Sacri Monti can explore the chapels and admire the intricate frescoes, sculptures, and altarpieces that depict biblical scenes. The sites also offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, adding to the overall experience.

Efforts have been made to preserve and maintain the Sacri Monti, ensuring their continued cultural and historical significance. Conservation projects have been undertaken to restore the artworks and protect the structures from natural elements and human impact.

Address
Distance: 2,2 mi
Via Bagnana 99
22025 Lezzeno
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 10:30 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

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Il sito seriale I Sacri Monti del Piemonte e della Lombardia comprende sette complessi devozionali piemontesi e due lombardi eretti nelle Alpi occidentali fra la fine del XV e il XVII secolo...

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Length: 16:34 min
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Published: June 26, 2011
Length: 05:07 min
Rating: 3 of 5
Author: jarafat

Sagra di S.Giovanni a Ossuccio, lago di Como. I fuochi partono dall'Isola Comacina, e durano 40 minuti circa. Foto anche a http://www.flickr.com/photos/jarafat/sets/72157620547828011/ ...

Santuario della Madonna del Soccorso - Ossuccio

Published: December 07, 2009
Length: 56:34 min
Rating: 5 of 5
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Published: February 10, 2012
Length: 55:59 min
Rating: 5 of 5
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Visita al Santuario della Beata Vergine del Soccorso situato a 419 m.s.l.m. preceduto dalle quattordici cappelle del Sacro Monte nel comune di Ossuccio, in posizione panoramica sul lago di...

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