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Holy acropolis
The three monumental sacred complexes- Sacro Monte di San Francesco at Orta San Giulio, Sacro Monte della SS. Trinità at Ghiffa and the Sacro Monte Calvario of Domodossola were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2003 . These devotional itineraries, created as groups, or series, of frescoed chapels or stations, were built mostly during the course of the XVIIth century in spectacular hilltop locations and have since been included in the surrounding nature reserves.

Monte Mesma and the Torre di Buccione

The special natural reserve that encompasses the Sacro Monte di Orta as well as Monte Mesma and the Torre di Buccione Tower, is rich in natural beauty and can be reached on foot. Of artistic interest is the 17th century Franciscan convent. The 23-metre high signal tower was once part of a castle, now in ruins, built on a panoramic point that commands splendid views across Cusio to the peaks of Monte Rosa

Colossal statue of St Charles Borromeo (San Carlo Borromeo)

Towering over Arona from its hilltop position, “Sancarlone”, over 20-metres high and made of copper and bronze rests atop an 11 metre base. Visitors can climb up to the imposing head of the saint and, looking out from his eyes, enjoy a spectacular view over the enchanting area.

Sanctuary of the Bleeding Madonna (Madonna del Sangue) at Re

Located at the extreme eastern end of Valle Vigezzo, its origins lie in a miraculous event which occurred in 1494. It comprises two granite edifices, one from the 1600 's and the other built in the 1900's joined by a cupola with 4 towers.

The Boden Sanctuary

Situated on high ground, 500 metres above the road from Ornavasso, the Sanctuary was built to commemorate the apparition of the Madonna to a young shepherdess and houses a large collection of ex-voto. A Via Crucis and hiking trails connect it with the Sanctuary of Oropa at Migiandone and nearby alpine pastures offer splendid views overlooking the lakes.

Church of San Gaudenzio at Baceno

A national monument, it is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. Built on a rocky outcrop it is enriched with a precious cartwheel window that complements the facade and 16th century frescoes inside .

Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso

The complex, comprising the church, bell tower and adjoining hermitage, was built in the first half of the XVIIIth century on a vertiginous rocky outcrop affording an exceptional view that embraces at a single glance all of Lake Orta and the hills and mountains of the eastern shores.

Hermitage and Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso

A monastic complex comprised of three edifices built between the XIII-XIVth centuries, suspended between earth and sky and hanging, literally, on a 76-metres high rocky cliff. From its balcony a sweeping view of the lake towards the Borromean Islands can be enjoyed.

Sacro Monte at Varallo Sesia

An integral part of a Nature Riserve, built at the top of a rocky spur, it offers suggestive panoramic views over Valsesia and Monte Rosa. The frescoes and statues of the (circa) fifty chapels represent scenes of the Life and Passion of Christ. The oldest of the Italian Sacri Monti it has been a UNESCO World heritage site since 2003