The The Sacro Monte Addolorato, or Sacro Monte dell'Addolorata, in Brissago (a complex that includes the Sanctuary of the Addolorata and the Stations of the Cross leading there) is on a rocky headland overlooking Lake Maggiore in the narrow Mulini Valley, approximately 1 km from town. The woods it is located in has allowed the complex to maintain its charm; this scenario is full of colours, from green woods contrasting with grey rocks, but also with particularly charming areas and panoramic points.
History of Sacro Monte Addolorato
The complex of Sacro Monte Addolorato was built by a rich merchant called The Moscovite - Antonio Francesco Branca - as he made his fortune in Russia and was the owner of the homonymous building in a href="http://en.lagomaggiore.net/brissago.htm" title="Brissago Lake Maggiore">Brissago. He was fascinated by Franciscan preaching and between 1767-1773, ordered an existing building to be expanded. This was a small church dedicated to Madonna Addolorata, which was built in 1709 by master builder Girolamo Tirinanzi.
Structure of Sacro Monte Addolorato
Thanks to Branca, new spans and the sacristy were added to the original small church with a cupola and square layout. A three-storey architectural structure was also built with enough space for the rector’s home and a hospice for the pilgrims.
A few metres from the church in the middle of the narrow valley is the Chapel of Calvario, frescoed by Giovanni Caldelli. Entrance to Sacro Monte Addolorato is bordered by another important chapel named Porta di Gerusalemme (Door of Jerusalem). This is where the Stations of the Cross begin. They are marked by pylons and ascend within a fascinating scenario towards the sanctuary.
The inside of the sanctuary dedicated to Madonna Addolorata is richly decorated with baroque stuccoes, and other frescoes (1775) by Giovanni Orelli: Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the pylons of the triumphal arch, and Saint Joseph, Saint Charles, Saint Domenico and Saint Anthony the Abbot in the groined vaults. Also noteworthy are the high altar made with multicoloured marble and the tomb of the founder, The Moscovite, bearing incisions with personal symbolism (sailing ships with the name Jesus, the figure of a Russian and a pike).
Touring Sacro Monte in Brissago
If you would like to tour this fantastic building and wander about the surrounding areas, take a look at our itineraries and start planning!
Photo gallery Sacro Monte Addolorato
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