Parco naturale ed area attrezzata del Sacro Monte di Crea

Points of Interest

Sacro Monte

Sacro Monte was planned by Costantino Massino in 1589. The original project consisted of 15 chapels, the Rosary Misteries. During the centuries works took place. Now the complex consists of 23 chapels and 5 hermitages.
Between the end of 16th and the beginning of 17th centuries many sculptors and artists shaped the statuary groups (in polychrome terracotta) and the pictures which visitors can see in the chapels. Among these artists: Guglielmo Caccia (the Moncalvo) Giovanni and Nicola Wespin (the Tabachetti), G. B. della Rovere (the Fiamminghino) Giorgio Alberini, Veglia d'Asti and the Prestinari. During the Napoleonic period the complex was abandoned; afterwards, in 19th century, it was restored and the chapels were built again. Bistolfi, Brilla, Maggi, Latini, Morgari, Capra and Caironi took part in the works (Works lasted till the beginning of 20th century).
The Sacro Monte stands in front of the Sanctuary. It is surrounded from a shady boulevard which starts and ends in the square. It goes then through the wood on an easy path (the handicapped can go along it since architectural features have been knocked down). By following the system of signs in the park it is possible to reach Cappella del Paradiso.

The Chapels of Sacro Monte

Chapel I	St.Eusebio Martyrdom, with works by G. Wespin and portraits by G. Alberini
Chapel II	St. Eusebio Rest, built again in 1860 - 66, statues by G. Latini and portraits by Martini di Robella
Chapel III	Mary Forshadowed and Prophesied, built again ex-novo in 1867, based on the project by F. Brocchi, statues are by Morra di Grazzano and portraits by L. Pavese di Vignale
Chapel IV	Conception of Mary
Chapel V	Nativity of Mary
Chapel VI	Presentation of Mary to the Temple
Chapel VII	Marriage of Mary
Chapel VIII	Annunciation of the Angel to Mary
Chapel IX	Mary Visiting Elizabeth
Chapel X	Nativity of Christ
Chapel XI	Presentation of Jesus to the Temple
Chapel XII	Argument of Jesus in the Temple
Chapel XIII	Prayer of Jesus in the Garden
Chapel XIV	Flagellation
Chapel XV	Coronation of Thorns
Chapel XVI	Climb of Jesus to the Calvary
Chapel XVII	The Wedding Feast at Cana
Chapel XVIII	Crucifixion
Chapel XIX	Resurrection of Jesus
Chapel XX	Ascension of Jesus
Chapel XXI	Coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles
Chapel XXII	Assumption of Mary
Chapel XXIII	Coronation of Mary

The chapel can be visited during the opening hours which vary according to the season.
(for further information www.parcocrea.it)

The names of the towns on the plaques on the chapels' façades indicate the communities (Vicarìe) which supported their restoration during 19th century.

The Romitori, on the Via del Ritorno, represented moments of mystical ascesis to the Saints.

I San Luca, shaping the statue of Holy Mary. Sculptures of the second half of 17th century.
II San Francesco, the recent sculpture is by L. Bagna.
III San Rocco, pictures by G. Caccia and sculptures by G. Capra (1934 - 35).
IV Addolorata, sculptures of the end of 16th century.
V Sepolcreto dei Frati, built by V. Tornielli on the old hermitage of Sant'Alessio. Sculptures by G. Capra.

The Sanctuary

The Romanesque Sanctuary was ruled by the Canonici di Vezzolano till 1468, then by the Lateranensi till 1798, by the Serviti till 1801, lastly by the Minori Francescani from 1820 till 1992. Now it is ruled directly by Curia of Casale, which owns the Sacro Monte. The church is dedicated to Maria Assunta. It was enlarged in 1483 by Marquis of Monferrato Guglielmo Paleologo and in 1608 - 1612 by the Lateranensi. The façade was restored in 1735, between 1890 and 1913 and in 1953. The mosaic dates back to 1953 (Dalle Ceste). The church consists of a nave and two side aisles. It houses important works such as La Madonna con Bambino e Santi, the autographic painting by Macrino d'Alba (1503); the cycle of frescoes representing the Storie di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia (16th century); the effige della Vergine, a wooden statue of 15th century; a wide collection of ex voto; the Via Crucis and the ambos by L. Bagna.
In the seat of the Park there are a multi-purpose room, a library and green areas for didactic exercises in the open air.

Further information (Italian text)

Didactics

Parco Naturale del Sacro Monte di Crea is a great opportunity to discover how art and history can be combined with nature. Chapels rich of statues and frescoes are perfectly combined with the green areas which surround them.
It is possible to arrange some didactic activities in schools. Thanks to them children can come into contact with nature and the park. This kind of program foresees the use of some videos and slides. The final step of the program consists of a trip in the park.

Activities Dedicated to Schools

In the classroom (for schools near the Park):

General topics such as ecology, environmental education, historical and artistic features of the Park, through support materials (slides and videos).

Within the territory:

Guided tour through the wood. It is possible to observe the habitat (length: about 3 hours).
Guided tour along the devotional itinerary with the possibility of visiting the interior of the Sanctuary, of some Chapels, and of the Cappella del Paradiso with detailed explanations about the historical-artistic aspect and of the building-decorative techniques (length: about 3 - 4 hours).
Guided tour through the wood. It is possible to see from close up those "elements" which make up the habitat (length: about 3 hours)

The three proposals can be chosen separately or all together in order to have a more complete view of the Park.