Travels in Italy-- Lago d'Orta (Part 1 of 2)

Not far from the very large Lago Maggiore is a smaller lake, Lago d'Orta. 

We climbed visited a hill that overlooks Lago d'Orta.  The hill is known as Sacro Monte, or Sacred Hill.  Atop the hill is a collection of 20 chapels dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. 

It turns out that the Sacro Monte on Lago d'Orta is not unique.  There are a many similar religious sites in northern Italy.  In the past, the sacred hills were pilgrimage destinations. Today, they are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

A lush green forest covers the hill and a spiral path connects the chapels scattered on the top of the hill.  Construction of the chapels spanned three centuries.  Each chapel houses an event from St. Francis' life.  Each event is depicted with frescoes and life-sized, painted terracotta figures.

Many of the scenes in the chapels were eerily life-like.  The figures had expressive faces and the poses created the illusion of motion.  The story of Francis' life is well-told. 

Below are photos from our visit. 

A view of the top of Sacro Monte

Chapel III:  Renunciation of earthly goods.

St. Francis was born into a wealthy family in Assisi and was well-educated.  Early in his life, before renouncing worldly things, he dressed in the latest 12th century fashions. The painted scene above shows Francis being mocked.

Chapel XIV:  Visit to Egypt.

Chapel XV:  The stigmata.

Chapel XVI:  Return to Assisi.

Chapel XX:  Canonization.  Francis was sainted two years after his death, which is very fast.  Of course, Francis was no ordinary saint. 

 

Chiesa di S. Nicolao:  Sacro Monte is also home to a church, the Chiesa di S. Nicolao.  The church is a replica of a chapel in Assisi where Francis prayed. 

Susan with tour guide Oda in front of La Chiesa di S. Nicolao.

The interior of La Chiesa di S. Nicolao was designed to resemble St. Francis' chapel in Assisi. 

Nativity Scenes:  Francis was a proponent of celebrating the birth of Jesus. Francis is credited with inspiring the creation of nativity scenes like the one at Sacro Monte pictured below.  Over time, nativity scenes became prevalent in Italy in churches and homes.  They can be very elaborate, with moving figures, water running in a stream and twinkling lights. 

A lovely view from the top of Sacro Monte

Next Up:  Walking down the hill.