Varallo

The city of Varallo is beautifully situated where the Sesia and Mastallone rivers join. Only a 20 minute drive from Scopello so we visited numerous times. Anyone travelling through the Valsesia valley passes through this historic city.

Overlooking old  Varallo

Varallo

You feel like you step back in time, within the narrow streets, historical buildings, and cobblestone streets, Yet we enjoyed modern activities like purchasing our tour to the Red Sea, a SIM card, finding Wi Fi access at lovely street side cafes and to even get a haircut! Tuesday's market was a great source for fruits and vegetables and the antique fair was worthwhile despite the rain.

Market day

Main square Varallo

Overlooking Varallo city is Sacro Monte and it was a very surprising visit, to this UNESCO reserve. It was originally built in 1491 as a recreation of sacred places, Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem,  Step up to the window openings and peer inside, to see the events of Christ's life, depicted in theatrical scenes, housed in 45 chapels with over 800 (yes over 800) life-sized statues of wood and multi-colored terracotta. San Nicolao, the large church (1878) is dedicated solely to the Virgin Mary and the alter has many more statues. The grounds are also beautiful and pleasant for a stroll through the oak and chestnut trees.