Unlike other sacred mounts, Sacro Monte di Orta is dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. It was begun in the 1500s by a wealthy abbot who undertook the expense of building the first chapel on his own. Other wealthy patrons followed and there are now about 20, all in varying states of restoration. Inside the chapels, the events of St. Francis' life are played out in intricate frescoes and terracotta statues. The statues depict not just individuals, but are entire scenes populated by a wide cast of custom-made and painted characters to tell the story of the Saint's life. The figures are absolutely fascinating, and the view of Lake Orta and the mountains from the top is well worth the climb.
Worth at least a three hour visit. Splendid vista of the lake from on high; fascinating treasures inside many of the chapels. Get a picture of the St. Francis statue as you climb up to the entrance. Take a water bottle if its a hot day.
I went for a pre-breakfast stroll in late December. Approaching from the village of Orta San Giulio was steep but not too long. There was no one else around and the woods were quiet : hoping to return for a more extensive visit in the not too distant future.
We paid a short visit to Orta with its quaint little streets and view on the lake. Then we walked up to the Sacred Mountain. It was a very pleasant surprise: a park with 23 little chapels and a church depicting the life of San Francesco. The site is unique and a UNESCO world heritage site. The walk up is a pleasure (15 to 20 mins) and the views from up on the mountain on the lake are wonderful. Less well known than Lago Magiore and the Isole Borromee but much more beautiful.
A great way to spend a few hours walking round this heritage site. I haven't seen anything like it, a park containing many independent small chapels filled with sculpture and fresco. The climb up is a challenge but worth it for the view.
After many visits to Orta we decided to walk to Sacro Monte which is a climb to remember but when you finally reach the peak you are rewarded by marvellous tranquility and the chapels in beautiful settings. Worthwhile!
take a long walk around the site and have a closer look inside the numerous religious buildings and chaples. do not forget to take a picture of the lake and its beautiful island in the middle
The hike up is the high part. For those for whom this is a matter of faith - do go, I am sure you will find what you were looking for. For those looking for great art - it isn't here. I am not sure why it has the UNESCO designation other than it is considered a sacred spot - but that's ok. I did prefer the church on Isola San Guilio. It it is very hot you will need to bring your own water or Gatorade equivalent - we were lucky not too hot. The views from the top are great - you can even see through the trees onto Lago Maggiore. Ladies beware, the WC facilities are porcelain holes in the ground - so roll up the bottoms of your pants before using.
Although it rained this was the highlight of the trip. The church and chapels was spectacular as was the view.
What an amazing place. We have visited twice on our way home through Italy as there is a place for 8 campervans to overnight just below it. There is a magical quality to the chapels with their life-size painted figures and frescoes. It is just amazing to think that all of them were made between the 16th and 18th centuries ... and they still survive and in reasonably good condition even though they are open to the air during the day. Too bad the wonderful old 19th century souvenir and coffee shop isn't restored to its former glory. The drinks machines are a sad 21st century intrusion. Don't miss the wonderful Christmas crib next to the church. A real Italian tradition. Wonderful trees and foliage and a great viewpoint over the lake and island. All well worth a visit.