VARALLO – Sentiero di Padre Gallino

The itinerary connects Varallo to Sacro Monte and the scenic peak of Monte Tre Croci, along an evocative loop trail of great artistic and religious interest. It was realized in honor of Father Giovanni Gallino (1921-1986), a great figure of educator and founder of GRIM (Gruppo Ragazzi in Montagna).

The itinerary begins in Varallo, 450m, near the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie just after the cable car to Sacro Monte. You take an almost level lane to the right that shortly after climbs to the little church of Our Lady of the Heart and then reaches the entrance square of the splendid Sacro Monte of Varallo, 612m. You cross it on a pleasant climb to take a right onto the mule track located after the guides’ kiosk.

You follow the path until you reach the carriage road. Cross it and climb up the path that leads to the right to an impressive viewpoint and the small church of Cucco. Then proceed uphill taking the path that climbs to the left, and at a junction keep left until you reach the Sasei viewpoint, from where there are views of the Mastallone Valley, Varallo and Sacro Monte.

Next, taking the path that climbs steeply into the woods, you reach the summit of Mount Tre Croci, 919m (also reachable from the aforementioned fork by taking a steeper path). From this mountain, characterized by three high crosses, there is a fabulous view of Varallo and the surrounding mountains.

Continuing northward for a stretch on the ridge, you descend to the carriage road near the oratory of Gerbidi. Continuing to the right, you arrive, in about 20 minutes, at the hamlet of Verzimo, 743m.

Just before the church on the left, take the path steeply downhill through the woods that grazes an alpine pasture and reaches the dirt road that approaches a beautiful stream. You then reach the ruined oratory of San Pantaleone.

At last you return to the carriage road near the “Buzzo Bridge,” and staying to the left, along the road, in a few hundred meters you return to the starting point.