Varallo
Ancient palaces, museums and churches that are genuine treasure troves of art, a charming old town characterised by traditional districts and a magnificent Sacro Monte – Unesco World Heritage Site: come and discover Varallo!
SACRO MONTE – UNESCO HERITAGE
Varallo is home to the oldest (1491) Sacro Monte in northern Italy and a UNESCO heritage site since 2003. Conceived and commissioned by Milanese Franciscan Friar Bernardino Caimi as a model of the holy places of Palestine, it consists of 44 frescoed chapels and a basilica, beautifully immersed in the vegetation of a nature park. The tour winds its way along streets and small squares, enriched by chapels with more than 4,000 frescoed figures and about 800 statues depicting scenes from the Gospels, produced by local artists and craftsmen, such as Gaudenzio Ferrari, Giovanni d’Enrico, Antonio d’Enrico (called Tanzio or Tanzio da Varallo), Tabacchetti and Francesco Mazzucchetti (called Morazzone).
GAUDENZIO FERRARI, WARAL ART AND THE DISTRICTS OF THE HISTORICAL CENTRE
When admiring the artistic masterpieces of Varallo, one cannot fail to mention Gaudenzio Ferrari. The works of the artist and his students can be found in the city’s churches, at Sacro Monte and in the Varallo Picture Gallery. Contemporary art has also found its place in Varallo thanks to the WARAL Art Urban Project, which enriched the city centre with artistic murals in an ideal dialogue with the rich cultural tradition of the place. A tradition that can be admired in the historic districts that make up the old town centre characterised by narrow alleys with views of architecture with shops, loggias, courtyards and old historic houses.
CRAFTS, FOOD AND WINE, AND SPORTS
The Crafts Shop is the place for typical handicrafts of Valsesia: from puncetto, a unique lace, to scapin, typical valley slippers, to wood carving and ollar stone objects. The typical gastronomy is born from the convergence of tastes and flavours of the surrounding territories, such as rice of the Lower Vercelli area, wine of the Gattinara lands and dairy products of Valsesia, among which the delicious alpine cheeses stand out. Outdoor enthusiasts will find fertile ground in the Varallo area for their passions, from trekking to mountain biking to more adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as river sports and climbing.
HOW TO GET TO VARALLO SESIA
BY HIGHWAY
A4 Milan-Turin A26 junction at Biandrate, direction Gravellona Toce, for Romagnano-Ghemme. From Romagnano Sesia follow SP 299 to Varallo-Alagna Valsesia.
A26 Genoa-Gravellona Toce, exit Romagnano-Ghemme.
From Romagnano Sesia follow the SP 299 for Varallo-Alagna Valsesia
BY BUS
Daily bus lines connect Varallo with Milan, Turin, Vercelli, Novara, Biella
Don’t miss in this area
Discover the wonders of Varallo
Art and culture, nature, ancient traditions, food and wine excellence and outdoor activities: let Varallo win you over!
