Nature parks
Special Nature Reserve of the Sacro Monte Calvario (Domodossola)
Category: Parks
The Colle di Mattarella (Hill of Mattarella), where the architectural complex of the Sacro Monte Calvario (Sacred Mountain of the Calvary) was built, was considered strategically important because of its commanding position. The hill, in fact, dominates the Val d’Ossola (Ossola Valley) and for this reason fortresses have been built here as a defence against the northern invaders as far back as the years before the XI century. The wood that covers about half of the area comprises chestnut trees, oak trees, pedunculate oaks and sessile oaks, which are home to birds, insects and small mammals. Along the slope that leads to the Sacro Monte we come across the Giardini dei Padri Rosminiani (Rosminian Fathers’ Gardens), where ancient Cryptomerias, Lawson cypress trees, and incense cedar trees can be found. In the Gardens, in the shade of a splendid cedar tree, there is small lake in the shape of Lake Maggiore. In 1656 the cross on the top of the Calvario (Calvary) was laid, and the building of the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) of the Sacro Monte was started, which is dedicated to the Passion of Christ.
Information
Area: 26 hectares
Elevation: 279 - 414 metres above sea level
Established: 1991
Environment: hilly
E-mail: riserva@sacromontedomodossola.it
www.sacromontedomodossola.it
Head Office
Borgata Sacro Monte Calvario, 5 - 28845 Domodossola (Vb)
Tel. +39.0324.41976 - Fax: +39.0324.47749
