The Basilica Di Santa Maria Del Monte, 8km from Varese, was a place of pilgrimage as far back as the 15th Century. Since 1474 it has been a cloister for nuns. Two hundred years later, Father Aguggiari founded the Chapels of the Rosary which are today Varese’s most treasured possessions for their religious significance and their historical and artistic value. There are 14 chapels with 17th Century painted tabernacles containing life-size terracotta figures. Walk up the ‘Sacred Way’ to Prima Cappella (First Chapel) and up to the sanctuary, situated in the village of Santa Maria del Monte.
