Day 5
A panoramic road drove us from Graglia to Sordevolo and then to the valley of Oropa. Perched at the top of the valley, is the Sacro Monte of Oropa.

According to legend, the seeds of this Sacro Monte were planted 1,700 years ago when St. Eusebio brought a statue of the Holy Virgin to the valley. But construction of the sanctuary as it exists today began eight centuries ago with seven chapels representing devotional events in Oropa. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, another twelve chapels devoted to the life of the Holy Virgin were constructed. Major construction continued through the twentieth century and included the infamous Royal Door, hospices for the pilgrims, a decorative fountain and plenty of modern remodeling. Today, the place remains a religious epicenter that attracts over 800,000 pilgrims each year.

An organization called “Oropa meeting” has equipped the ancient Sacro Monte with modern technology and comforts. Like the sanctuaries in Varallo and Graglia, parts of the Sacro Monte of Oropa have been renovated into modern sleeping accommodations for visitors. The rooms are lavished with antique furniture and overlook the sanctuary and the Bielesse Alps. There are even two giant conference rooms with 150 seats and full-scale multimedia technology.

The rich history of Oropa can be found outside the Sacro Monte as well. There is a museum dedicated to religious history of the area, a library that holds many ancient texts, two galleries dedicated to votive offerings, and a collection of church ornaments.

Although the man-made sites are incredible, the real ancient grandeur can be found in the natural landscape of the surrounding valley. In fact, the organization that owns and preserves the Sacro Monte also owns and preserves the upper half of the valley. Just down the road is the mountain wildlife refuge as well as the Botanical Gardens where you can wander through a natural beech grove, humid zones, grazing areas, and shrubby zones. If you like to experience nature with sweat in your eyes and dirt in your nails, “downhill” mountain bike riding and rock climbing are popular sports in the area.

Where to Eat:

Ristorante Al Tre Arc Via Santuario d’Oropa, 480 Santuario di Oropa Tel. 015.2455906 Specials: Polenta Concia, Raclette, B ourguignonne, Bagna Cauda Ristorante Croce Bianca Via Santuario d’Oropa, 480 Santuario di Oropa Tel. 015.2455923 Specials: Pasta Di Ceci con Gamberi, Filetto D’Agnello Alla Menta Ristorante Canal Secco Antico Str.Canal Secco, 2 Santuario di Oropa, 480 Tel. 015.2555802 Ristorante Il Macellaio Via Santuario d’Oropa, 480 Santuario di Oropa Tel. 015.2455905 Specials: Polenta Concia Ristorante Canal Secco Trucco Via Canal Secco Trucco, 1 Santuario di Oropa Tel. 015.2455944 Specials: Polenta Concia, Selvaggina, Trote . Ristorante Fornace Piazzale Funivie Santuario d’Oropa Tel. 015.2455922 Specials: Polenta Concia, Antipasti Caldi, Selvaggina Ristorante Capelle Pass.S.Giuseppe, 2 Santuario di Oropa Tel. 015.2455904 Specials: Polenta Concia, Antipasti Caldi, Piemontesi Ristorante Croce Rossa Santuario d’Oropa, 480 Tel. 015.2455907 Specials: Polenta Concia, Selvaggina, Funghi e Primizie Stagione Ristorante La Latteria Via Santuario di Oropa, 480 Tel. 015.2455900 Specials: Polenta Concia Ristorante Bar Valfre P.zle Chiesa Nuova Santuario d’Oropa Tel. 015.2455942 Ristorante La Stazione Via Santuario d’Oropa, 480 Santuario d’Oropa Tel. 015.2455937 Specials: Menu’ A Degustazioni Tipiche, Piemontesi Ristorante Vittino Via Teleferiche, 1 Santuario d’Oropa Tel. 015.2455940 Specials: Polenta Concia e Selvaggina Ristorante Bar Il Camminetto Santuario d’Oropa Tel. 015.2455956