The Sacro Monte of Orta

THE SACRO MONTE OF ORTA

The Sacro Monte of Orta is part of the group of the nine Sacred Mountains in Piedmont and Lombardy subalpine considered World Heritage, and is located in the town of Orta San Giulio in the province of Novara.

The reasons that led to the recognition state:
"This complex, the only one dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, was built in three phases. The first, which began in 1590 at the behest of the local community and that continued until around 1630; it is marked as style, mannerism. In the second phase, which lasted until the end of the seventeenth century, the predominant style was the baroque style that developed later, during the third period, until the end of the eighteenth century, in the freer forms merging with other influences. The complex consists of 21 chapels, the former Hospice of St. Francis, a monumental gate and a fountain. This sacred mountain is the only one not to have suffered changes in its topological structure after the sixteenth century. The garden, with magnificent views of Lake Orta, has an exceptional quality. »

The Sacro Monte of Orta is located on the hill that rises in the center of the peninsula of Orta San Giulio, on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. It was built on emulation of the Sacred Mountain of Varallo and fits in really arisen in the wake of the Counter to counter the Lutheran presence.

Unlike the other Holy Mountains, that of Orta is the only completely dedicated to a saint, the 20 chapels that compose fact depict episodes from the life and miracles of St. Francis of Assisi. It was built in three distinct periods, between 1590 and 1788.

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