Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte sopra Varese: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Adventure

Nestled in the picturesque medieval village overlooking Varese, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte is much more than a place of worship. It is a millennial crossroads of history, art, and spirituality, an invitation to contemplation and, for the more adventurous, to the discovery of a past rich in charm and devotion. This sacred place represents one of the most evocative pilgrimage destinations in Northern Italy, where faith intertwines with the beauty of the landscape and human ingenuity.

History and Origins of the Sanctuary

The origins of the sanctuary are lost in the mists of time, in an era of great spiritual fervor. Devotion to the Madonna on the Monte dates back to the Lombard period, between the 7th and 8th centuries. In that era, a small and austere chapel already housed a wooden icon of the Virgin, which would become the beating heart of this place for centuries.

This image, a Black Madonna with Child traditionally attributed to St. Luke, is carved from wild willow wood. Dating from the period between 601 and 900 AD, the statue depicts the Madonna in a seated position, but the long robe that falls to the ground creates the illusion of a standing figure, almost symbolizing her constant and protective presence. Veneration for this ancient effigy has never faded, surviving unscathed through the centuries and historical vicissitudes.

Saints Catherine and Giuliana: Mystics and Hermits

Starting in 1480, the spirituality of the place was enriched with the veneration of Blessed Caterina of Pallanza and Giuliana of Busto Arsizio. These two extraordinary women, animated by a profound faith, founded a female religious community of an initially eremitic nature right at the sanctuary in 1474. Their choice of life, dedicated to prayer and contemplation in such an isolated and suggestive place, greatly contributed to increasing the importance of the Monte as a center of spirituality.

Their mortal remains still rest today inside the sanctuary, in chapels dedicated to them. Their presence has left an indelible mark, so much so that starting in 1480, work began on the construction of the chapels named after them and on raising the floor of the so-called “serraglio.” Their story of absolute dedication is an example of lived faith that still inspires visitors today.

A Path of Devotion and Art: The Avenue of Chapels

Reaching the sanctuary is in itself a unique spiritual and artistic experience, thanks to the famous Avenue of Chapels. This devotional path, about two kilometers long, is considered a masterpiece of Lombard Baroque and a rare example of open-air sacred art.

Built between 1604 and 1698, the fourteen chapels that line the avenue depict the Mysteries of the Rosary. Each chapel is a small artistic jewel, with life-size statues and frescoes that narrate, in an emotional crescendo, the salient episodes of the lives of Christ and Mary. Walking this avenue, perhaps in silence or reciting the Rosary, is not just a walk, but a true inner journey that prepares the pilgrim’s heart for the encounter with the sacred.

History and Vicissitudes: Suppressions and Rebirths

The history of the sanctuary is marked by transformations and trials, which testify to its resilience. At the beginning of the 16th century, the archpriest and the collegiate church that officiated the cult ceded the institution to the female religious community founded by the blessed women.

A particularly difficult moment was the suppression of the monastery in 1798, during the turbulent years of Napoleonic domination. Despite the closure of the convent, the faith of the people did not wane: liturgical celebrations and pilgrimages continued uninterrupted, demonstrating how deeply rooted the sanctuary was in the heart of the community. The monastery was happily reconstituted between 1820 and 1821, and in 1822 the church was elevated to the rank of parish, definitively sanctioning its centrality in local religious life.

Hidden Treasures and Hints for Adventurous Exploration

For the more curious visitor, the sanctuary reserves authentic “hidden treasures” that tell stories of popular faith. An unmissable stop is the sacristy, where a rich and moving collection of ex-votos is kept.

This collection, which includes works starting from the 16th century, is a true museum of devotion:

• **Painted tablets** illustrating miracles and graces received

• Precious **goldsmith objects**

• **Photographs** and personal documents

• **Metal sheets with inscriptions** and objects of various kinds

Exploring this collection is like embarking on an adventurous exploration into the heart of popular faith. Each object is a story, a thanksgiving, a hope passed down. Observing these ex-votos, originally placed in the presbytery, the apse, and the chapel of the Blessed, allows one to understand the deep bond between the Madonna del Monte and her faithful through the centuries.

A Place of Grace and Papal Blessing

The spiritual importance of the sanctuary has been recognized over the centuries by numerous pontiffs, who have granted indulgences and privileges, contributing to its international fame. This link with the Church of Rome is a testament to the special grace that hovers in this place.

Among the popes who manifested their protection are remembered:

• **Martin V** in 1419

• **Innocent VIII** in 1491

• **Alexander VI** in 1497

• **Gregory XIII** in 1581

• **Gregory XVI**, who granted the purchase of the jubilee in 1839, 1851, and 1875

• **Leo XIII** in 1898

• **Pius XI** in 1926 and 1933

These concessions have attracted pilgrims from all over the world, eager to receive the blessings associated with this sacred place.

How to Visit and Experience the Sanctuary

A visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte is a 360-degree experience. Beyond the architectural and artistic beauty of the church, the medieval village that surrounds it offers enchanting views and a breathtaking vista over the city of Varese and the plain.

For the more adventurous, the surroundings of the Monte are crisscrossed by hiking trails that delve into the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park, ideal for combining spirituality and contact with nature. Inquiring about the opening hours for celebrations and any religious events, such as processions or Marian feasts, can further enrich the experience.

Today, as yesterday, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte sopra Varese remains a beacon of faith, a guardian of history, and an invitation to beauty, ready to welcome anyone who wishes to undertake a journey of the spirit and the senses.