Ghiffa: Sacro Monte, Forest Trails and Local History

Ghiffa Between Sanctuary and Landscape

Ghiffa combines sacred architecture, local history and trails through a wooded lakeside landscape. The Sacro Monte di Ghiffa comprises three chapels, a sanctuary and the portico of the Via Crucis dating from the 18th century; as one of nine separate complexes, it forms part of the UNESCO site “Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy”.

Sacred Site, Natural Area and Orientation

The Santuario della Trinità was created between the late 16th century and 1617 by expanding a medieval place of worship. The Riserva Speciale del Sacro Monte della SS. Trinità di Ghiffa covers approximately 200 hectares on the slopes of Monte Cargiago: from the Sacro Monte at 360 metres to the summit of Monte Cargiago at 713 metres, towards Pollino at 790 metres and as far as the hamlet of Caronio at 500 metres. Traces of ancient terraces used to cultivate the native rüsera grape variety remain on the slopes. Below Cargiago lies the deeply incised valley of the Rio Ballona, with gorges and waterfalls.

The Sacro Monte can be reached by car as far as the parking areas. In the historic area, motor vehicles and bicycles are not permitted without authorisation from the Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti. In the monumental area, the reserve offers an approximately 400-metre-long section of trail with limited barriers, continuing towards Ca’ del Bosco. The main entrance to the Parrocchiale di San Maurizio is easily accessible; because of a 6-centimetre-high step, assistance is recommended for people with disabilities.

Industrial History at the Museo dell'Arte del Cappello

The Museo dell'Arte del Cappello is housed in the original buildings of the former Cappellificio Panizza. Cappellificio Panizza was founded in 1881 and ceased operations in 1981 after one hundred years. The museum displays old machinery and equipment used at the Cappellificio. Film and photographic documentation on production and company life complements the exhibitions on hatmaking. Guided tours and workshop activities for groups and schools are available year-round by reservation.

Trails, Views and Nature Paths

The Via delle Genti begins at the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa and leads towards the villages of Deccio, Novaglio, Oggebbio and Cannero; views of the lake alternate with woodland and meadow landscapes. Along the route, contemporary art installations engage in dialogue with the landscape. Ghiffa–Ronco–SS. Trinità follows an old stone-paved path through the forest to the monumental area of the SS. Trinità. “Segni sulla pietra” leads to engraved boulders that may be associated with early settlements and were connected with the agro-pastoral use of Monte Cargiago. “Una Riserva nel Verde” begins in Ronco di Ghiffa at an equipped area, leads to the fitness trail and descends to the Madonna del Porale chapel. The mixed deciduous forests stretching from Lake Maggiore over Cargiago to the Santuario della Trinità are criss-crossed by paths and mule tracks and offer impressive views over the upper Lago Verbano.

Local History in Ronco and Caronio

The Chiesa della Visitazione di Maria Vergine in Ronco was completed in a single construction phase, finished in 1625. In Ronco, a building complex of ancient origin contains valuable religious wall frescoes. The ancient washhouse in Caronio is an interesting example of a traditional communal facility. The Chiesa di Santa Croce was built as a simple oratory in the second half of the 17th century and became a parish church in 1954. During the patron saint’s feast, children push a small boat filled with gifts into the church to offer it for auction. The Chiesa della Beata Vergine Assunta (Santa Maria Assunta) is a national monument and was first mentioned in 1173 as a chapel dependent on the Pieve San Vittore di Intra.

More Places to Explore

Scareno, Trontano, Feriolo Di Baveno, Baceno, Miazzina, Cesara, Piedilago and Gurrone

To the higher-level travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.