Built from the end of the 15th century onwards, the magnificent Varallan complex mainly comprises about forty chapels, all frescoed and decorated with polychrome statues, and a grandiose Marian shrine overlooking a piazza-garden of great beauty. Initially founded as a reproduction of the Christian sites of the Holy Land, it was later transformed into a magnificent and vibrant narration of the life and passion of Jesus.

The chapels are set in different natural contexts depending on the title: from the cool and shady woods of Nazareth and Bethlehem to the radiance of the gardens of Jerusalem, to the austere architectural elegance of the large square overlooked by Pilate’s Palace and Herod’s court.

The Mount can be reached on foot with a beautiful uphill walk along a cobbled road in about 25 minutes, or you can take the panoramic cable car, which alone will give you breathtaking views of the town and the valley. Possibility of a packed lunch or at the restaurant at the top of the mountain.

In Varallo one should also briefly visit, if possible, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with its spectacular painted Gaudenzian Wall and the small but delightful historic centre, crossed by the Mastallone stream.