We continue our series on the Sacred Mounts by heading into the Verbano area.

The Sacred Mount of Ghiffa is located along the slopes of Mount Cargiago, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Piedmont region).

This Sacred Mount consists of three chapels, dedicated respectively to the Coronation of the Virgin Mary, to Saint John the Baptist, and to Abraham. The path is completed by the 18th-century portico with fourteen arches that hosts the Via Crucis, flanked by the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity.

It is the smallest among the Sacred Mounts of Piedmont. On Mount Cargiago, overlooking the western shore of Lake Maggiore, a Romanesque oratory dedicated to the Trinity had already been built in the 13th century. This is a special place, considered miraculous by local tradition and, as such, a destination for pilgrimages. Dirt roads and trails once connected the lake to Mount Cargiago, making it easier for pilgrims to travel. Along these mule tracks, among chestnut, maple, birch, ash, poplar, and oak trees, small votive chapels still stand as testimony to the deep faith of the local population.

The construction of the Sacred Mount began around the mid-17th century, in the area surrounding the church. The patrons and curators of the project remain unknown.

Amidst lush vegetation stand the Chapel of Saint John, the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, the portico of the Via Crucis, and, in a prominent position, the Chapel of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary. All the chapels are adorned with distinctive lanterns and complemented by external porticoes, offering a splendid view of Lake Maggiore and the Varese Prealps.

The Sanctuary was built between 1605 and 1617. Later, between 1646 and 1659, it was renovated and expanded with the addition of the bell tower, the portico, and the raising of the pronaos. Nearby are the Chapel of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and the hermitage.

Inside the Sanctuary, a Baroque-style fresco depicting the Holy Trinity is preserved above the side altar. This fresco belonged to the pre-existing 16th-century oratory. It is particularly interesting to observe the three identical and distinct figures bearing the features of Jesus Christ, shown blessing the Eucharistic table.

The fundamental mystery of the Holy Trinity—Tres vidit et Unum adoravit ("He saw Three and adored One")—is also referenced in the Chapel of Abraham, alluding to the three angels hosted by him.

The fresco is surmounted by a depiction of the Crucifixion of Jesus.

The Sacred Mount is part of the pre-Alpine Sacred Mounts of Piedmont and Lombardy, which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2003.

The Special Nature Reserve of the Sacred Mount of Ghiffa covers an area of 200 hectares of woodland, featuring numerous trails, including an archaeological path.

The ancient devotional trail starts in the town of Ghiffa and leads up to the Sacred Mount along the historic cobblestone path in about forty minutes of walking.