HOLY MOUNTAIN OF GHIFFA
Sacred mountains with mystical places with 3 chapels and a beautiful view of Lake Maggiore.
Built between the end of the 16th century and the end of the 17th century, under the initiative of Bishop Charles Borromeo in the valleys of eastern Lombardy and western Piedmont, devotional routes called "Sacri Monti" or Sacred Mounts, which led to sanctuaries built in the middle of the mountains, appeared. These mystical places contributed to the strengthening of the Catholic presence in the valleys most exposed to the influence of the Protestant church. The Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, one of the most famous sanctuaries of this kind, is located near Verbania. It can be reached by hiking trails from Verbania. Three chapels have been built here, including the Church of the Holy Trinity, which dates back to the 16th century, and the Chapel of the Garden of Gethsemane, which was restored in the 20th century and in which statues represent Christ kneeling next to an angel in the Garden of Olives. Although the original project envisaged numerous chapels on the theme of the Old and New Testament, only three of them, a colonnade and the oratory were built. They represent the coronation of the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist with the Baptism of Jesus Christ, the patriarch Abraham in adoration of the three Angels. There is also a Way of the Cross with the Stations of the Passion under the arcades and small devotional chapels everywhere. Surrounded by trees and nature, it is a great place to stroll while enjoying a beautiful view of Lake Maggiore.
