History
In 1767, the pilgrim church and the Calvary chapel were built. The constructions were made possible by financial support from the successful merchant Antonio Francesco Branca (1714-1778).
In 1773, the high altar was placed in the church.
The frescoes were painted between 1775 and 1778 by Giuseppe Antonio Felice Orelli (1706-1776) and Giovanni Antonio Caldelli (1721-1790). The artist Orelli also created the Way of the Cross stations.
Pilgrimage site
The pilgrimage church is located on the Sacro Monte di Brissago, about a kilometre from the centre of the town of Brissago.
The religious site is built in the style of the Holy Mountain of Varese in Italy.
The complex is situated on the Holy Mountain with a Way of the Cross and a Calvary chapel dating from 1767. By following the stations of the Way of the Cross, visitors ascend higher up the Holy Mountain.
Also on display is the Baroque Chapel of the Annunciation, depicting the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary.
The late-Baroque pilgrimage church is dedicated to Santa Maria Addolorato (Our Lady of Sorrows). This church has a narthex. At the high altar, the miraculous statue stands behind glass. The effigy depicts Mater Dolorosa, which in Latin means Our Lady of Sorrows.
The church features several frescoes by Giuseppe Antonio Felice Orelli, a Swiss Baroque painter, and Giovanni Antonio Caldelli, an Italian-Swiss painter. The interior walls of the church display four large frescoes depicting Saint Francis, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Rose of Lima, and Our Lady.
In the pilgrimage church, there are several large statues of apostles.
The pilgrimage church has limited opening hours.
ACCESSIBILITY
Brissago is located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, near Lake Maggiore, on the Sacro Monte di Brissago. The pilgrimage site is less than a kilometre from the town of Brissago, and signs point the way.
Address: Via Sacro Monte, 6614 Brissago
Experience
On the way to Brissago, I find myself in increasingly mountainous surroundings with large lakes. Near the place with the pilgrimage site lies the lake, Lago Maggiore. I park the car and walk up the mountain.
En route, I come across the Stations of the Cross, and the church comes into view. It's about following the stations and arriving at the pilgrimage church.
When I stand in front of the church, the building with its porch feels like a stylish reception area. Then I go into the church. When I reach the entrance and look inside, the large statues catch my eye.
In the high altar, I see Mary standing centrally a few metres high. The Madonna is in a large niche. I've often seen her depicted, but here it's strikingly different. Mary is standing, and beneath her feet is an angelic head. Beneath her lies her dead Son, her hands are clasped, and she is wearing dark clothing. Her gaze is directed upwards and dark rays emanate from above her. She shows the ultimate of suffering through sorrow. After processing this sorrowful presentation, I enter into prayer. A friend of mine deserves some support, as their health is in decline.
After some time, I stand enjoying the sweeping view. My eyes move from the vast lake to the high mountains and then to the clouds. What an unforgettable experience it is to be at this pilgrimage site.
Environment
From Locarno to Brissago is 12 km to the southwest.
Setting off from the pilgrimage site of “Madonna del Sasso” in Orselina to reach the Marian shrine of Brissago means travelling 15 km in a south-westerly direction.
Leaving the large city of Lugano to get to the pilgrimage site of Brissago requires travelling 52 km to the northwest.
Leaving Bellinzona to arrive at the pilgrimage church in Brissago means travelling 35 km westwards.
To go out from Como and arrive at the pilgrimage site of Brissago is to cover a distance of 82 km in a north-westerly direction.
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