Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sant'Uffizio has a small, elegant
restaurant
, which is open to nonguests, though you'll
need to book ahead. The
locanda
(inn) is 3.3km south of Moncalvo.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Varallo & the Valsesia
Situated 66km northwest of Vercelli in northern Piedmont,
Varallo
guards the amazing
Sacro Monte di Varallo
(
www.sacromontedivarallo.it
;
7.30am-6.30pm)
, the oldest of
Italy's nine Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains), which were inscribed communally as a Un-
esco World Heritage Site in 2003. The complex consists of an astounding 45 chapels, with
800 religious statues depicting the Passion of Christ set on a rocky buttress high above
Varallo on the slopes of Monte Tre Croci. It was founded in 1491 by a Franciscan friar
whose aim was to reproduce a version of Jerusalem as a substitute pilgrimage site for loc-
al worshippers. The complex is anchored by a basilica dating from 1614, and the subse-
quent chapels follow the course of Christ's life told through frescoes and life-size terra-
cotta statues. Some of the scenes are macabre. The Monte is accessed via a winding walk-
ing path from Piazza Ferrari in town.
Beyond Varallo, the Sesia river heads spectacularly north to the foot of the Monte Rosa
massif. Alpine slopes climb sharply, offering numerous walking, cycling and white-water-
rafting possibilities. The valley's last village,
Alagna Valsesia
, is an ancient Swiss-Walser
settlement-turned-ski-resort, which is part of the Monte Rosa Ski Area (
Click here
). It is
well known for its off-piste runs. From the town a cable car climbs to Punta Indren
(3260m), from where fit walkers or climbers can strike out for the highest
rifugio
(moun-
tain chalet) in Europe, the
Capanna Regina Margherita
( 0163 9 10 39; dm €85)
, perched
atop Punta Gnifetti on the Swiss-Italian border at an astounding 4554m. The ascent re-
quires glacier travel, but non-experts can hire a guide through
Corpo Guide Alagna
(
www.guidealagna.com
;
Piazza Grober 1)
. Costs are €300 for a four person group for the five-
day excursion (June to September).
