Varese, land of experiences

Sacro Monte of Varese

The Sacro Monte of Varese is a place of great historical and artistic value in the Varese area, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in July 2003. Its Via Sacra, a devotional path about 2 km long, is studded with 14 chapels, each dedicated to a Mystery of the Rosary and perfectly integrated into the surrounding natural environment. The highlight is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte, which houses the Coronation of the Virgin Mary as the 15th Mystery of the Rosary, and the Romanesque Crypt, accessible by guided tour. The inhabited village, with its characteristic shady lanes, steep stairways and Art Nouveau villas, captivates visitors.

The Baroffio Museum and the Casa Museo Ludovico can also be visited at Sacro Monte. The Museo Baroffio offers a valuable collection of sacred art, while the Casa Museo Ludovico allows visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of Ludovico Pogliaghi, an important artist and architect who contributed to the enhancement of the Sacro Monte complex.

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INFO

ADDRESS: Viale del Santuario - Varese

OPENING HOURS:

SANCTUARY:

8:00 am – 6:00 pm (approx.)

Mass schedule:

Winter Schedule (from October 1st to April 30th)
SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS: Morning 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Afternoon 4:30 PM
WEEKDAYS: 8:00 AM and 4:45 PM

Summer Schedule (from May 1st to September 30th)
SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS: Morning 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
SATURDAYS & EVE OF HOLIDAYS: 6:00 PM

CRYPT AND MUSEO MAROGGIO
From March to November 2026

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

The Baroffio Museum opening hours coincide with those of the Crypt.

USEFUL LINK: Museo Baroffio

HOUSE MUSEUM LUDOVICO POGLIAGHI:
From March to November 2026

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: from 10.00 to 18.00
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: from 10.00 to 13.00

Every day: for schools, by reservation

Open during the week for groups, by reservation.

USEFUL LINK: Lodovico Pogliaghi House Museum

MUSEUM TICKETS

€ 7 Full weekday ticket | € 10 Weekend ticket with guided tour | € 5 Concessionary rate | Free admission for certified disabled visitors and children aged 0-5.
Visiting all 3 museums of Sacro Monte at a discounted rate is possible with the € 15 pass, valid for the entire day.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Sacro Monte di Varese can also be reached by the Sacro Monte funicular, which departs from the 'Vellone' station and reaches the village directly: a small paradise of art, faith and nature.

To reach the funicular station by bus, you can take Line C from the centre.

Mondays: Line C buses (running every 20 minutes) terminate at Piazzale Montanari (First Chapel), from where the Via Sacra can easily be reached on foot. Alternatively, once per hour, a connection with a smaller minibus is guaranteed to continue up to Piazzale Pogliaghi (top of Sacro Monte). The funicular is closed.

Tuesday to Friday: Line C buses (running every 20 minutes) terminate at the Vellone funicular station: the funicular is open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:10 PM. To walk along the Via Sacra, you must get off at Piazzale Montanari/First Chapel (before the tunnel). Before 10:00 AM and after 5:10 PM, Line C buses terminate at Piazzale Montanari, and a connection with a smaller minibus is guaranteed once per hour to continue up to Piazzale Pogliaghi (top of Sacro Monte).

Saturdays and Sundays: The funicular is open from 10:00 AM to 5:10 PM. During these hours, all Line C buses (every 20 minutes on Saturdays, every 30 minutes on Sundays) reach the Vellone station to ensure transfer to the funicular. To walk along the Via Sacra, you must get off at Piazzale Montanari/First Chapel (before the tunnel).
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS ONLY: Line C buses detour via Via Manin to provide connections with the convenient parking areas at the stadium/sports arena.

The bus ticket costs €1.60 and is valid for 90 minutes: it can be conveniently purchased on board by coin or contactless credit/debit card.

Dog of all sizes allowed in leasch in every area except the crypt in compliance with the hygiene and public safety rules*