You have to watch signs very carefully to catch the turn uphill to Ghiffa.
The main attraction here is the 17th century Il Sacro Monte della SS. Trinità di Ghiffa, an unfinished Baroque complex with a sanctuary church, three chapels and the portico of the Via Crucis.
The complex sits at the base of Mount Carciago, and an enormous nature reserve with extensive hiking trails surrounds the complex.
There are great views over Lake Maggiore.
This development was originally supposed to portray episodes of the Old and New Testaments, but it was never completed.
There are three principal chapels devoted to biblical subjects and two minor chapels. The first three chapels were built around the sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, which was constructed in the early 17th century upon a medieval oratory.
The first chapel was constructed in the 17th century and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The second chapel, also constructed in the 17th century, was dedicated to St John the Baptist.
The third chapel was completed in the 18th century and is dedicated to Abraham.
Access: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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