{"id":9483,"date":"2025-06-04T16:10:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T22:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abordohub.com\/journey-to-the-sanctuary-of-oropa-complete-guide-history-tips-and-how-to-get-there\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T22:48:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T04:48:28","slug":"journey-to-the-sanctuary-of-oropa-complete-guide-history-tips-and-how-to-get-there","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abordohub.com\/en\/blog\/journey-to-the-sanctuary-of-oropa-complete-guide-history-tips-and-how-to-get-there\/","title":{"rendered":"Journey to the Sanctuary of Oropa – Complete Guide: History, Tips, and How to Get There"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Located in the heart of the Biellese Alps<\/strong>, the Sanctuary of Oropa<\/strong> is much more than a religious destination. It's a magical corner where spirituality, history, and nature meet in perfect harmony. For those seeking peace, beauty, and a connection with the past, Oropa is a must-visit. <\/p>\n\n

In this guide, we tell you its history, what to see, how to get there, and all the tips to make the most of this site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Over 1,600 Years of History<\/h2>\n\n

The Sanctuary of Oropa has its origins in the 4th century, when Saint Eusebius of Vercelli<\/strong> brought a wooden statue of the Black Madonna, one of Italy's oldest and most revered Marian representations, from Jerusalem to these mountains.<\/p>\n\n

Over the centuries, this place transformed into a monumental complex with churches, chapels, porticoes, and lodgings, all surrounded by an imposing landscape.<\/p>\n\n

Today, the sanctuary is part of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy<\/strong>, a group of pilgrimage sites recognized by UNESCO.<\/p>\n\n

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Must-See at the Sanctuary of Oropa<\/h2>\n\n
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The Old Basilica (Bas\u00edlica Antica)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is the spiritual heart of the sanctuary, home to the famous Black Madonna. Its marble altar and silent atmosphere are truly relaxing. You can also walk behind the main altar and admire the mantle made for the Virgin by the locals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New Basilica (Bas\u00edlica Superiore)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Imposing on the outside and serene on the inside. It was inaugurated in 1960 and is surrounded by an impressive monumental portico. From its esplanade, there's a spectacular panoramic view. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sacro Monte di Oropa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most fascinating corners of the complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this collection of 12 Baroque chapels decorated with over 900 sculptures narrates the life of the Virgin Mary through realistic sculptures. A wonderful walk between art and faith. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Panoramic Views<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From the sanctuary, you can admire a spectacular landscape of mountains and valleys. And if you dare to climb a little higher, the views from the top are unforgettable, both in winter with snow-covered mountains and in spring with green meadows and flower gardens\u2014two completely distinct and unforgettable sights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking in the Biellese Alps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For nature lovers, there are several hiking trails starting from Oropa. One of the most popular leads to Lake Mucrone, a crystal-clear body of water at 1,900 meters (6,234 feet) altitude. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Marbella Carrasco & Pietro Mina (@mar_carrasco17)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>