Reserve and protected area
Riserva Speciale del Sacro Monte di Crea
Serralunga di Crea · Ponzano Monferrato · Alessandria
At Crea, the walk between the chapels crosses hillside woodland and opens up a history of pilgrimage, sculpture and painting. The sanctuary is the focal point of a visit; higher up, Cappella del Paradiso concludes the devotional route with an ensemble dedicated to Mary.
A hill between sanctuary and vineyards
The complex lies in Serralunga di Crea and Ponzano Monferrato, in Alessandria province. Its elevated position connects the sacred buildings with the surrounding farmland: woodland encloses the route while viewpoints open onto the hills. Crea is one of the nine complexes in the UNESCO property Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, inscribed in 2003. The recognition concerns the relationship between architecture, art and landscape, rather than one isolated monument.
Woodland around the chapels
Between the chapels, deciduous woodland makes the changing seasons visible. Leaves, bark and the arrangement of trees reveal an environment distinct from the vineyards surrounding the hill; field maples also grow along the route. Stops can combine natural details with artworks while remaining on the paths. The chapels are not isolated stops in a uniform garden: the climb, shade and openings in the woodland are all part of the design of the route.
From the 1589 project to restoration
Prior Costantino Massino began the Sacro Monte in 1589 beside a sanctuary already associated with Marian pilgrimage. The chapel scenes combine painting and sculpted figures, conceived to support prayer and meditation. Artists including Moncalvo, the Prestinari and the de Wespin worked here. After periods of abandonment and damage, nineteenth-century restoration added another chapter: Leonardo Bistolfi created the Salita al Calvario group in chapel 16. A visit therefore brings together works from different periods.
Planning a visit on foot
The parking areas are reached from Ponzano Monferrato or Serralunga di Crea. The information point stands near the entrance to the sanctuary square. Bicycles and motor vehicles cannot enter the historic area without permission. Paths between the chapels include slopes, steps and different surfaces, including cobbles and earth: visitors with particular mobility requirements should discuss their visit with the managing body. Entry to Cappella del Paradiso requires booking; walks towards neighbouring villages need separate planning from the monumental route.
Places to discover
Open a place on the map to find your bearings. Follow permitted access routes and signs on site.
Santuario della Madonna Assunta
The starting reference for exploring the complex; it remains an active place of worship.
Open in Google Maps · Santuario della Madonna AssuntaCappella 23 · Paradiso
The Coronation of Mary brings together terracotta and plaster figures. Booking is required for entry.
Open in Google Maps · Cappella 23 · ParadisoCappella 16 · Salita al Calvario
A stop that reveals Leonardo Bistolfi’s contribution to the restoration of the complex.
Open in Google Maps · Cappella 16 · Salita al CalvarioPunto informazioni del Sacro Monte
Near the car park and square entrance: a contact point for routes, guided visits and access arrangements.
Open in Google Maps · Punto informazioni del Sacro MonteTrails in the park 5
WalkingAround the starting pointCasalese area
Sanctuary of Crea–Casale Monferrato
CyclingAround the starting pointAsti, Alessandria and surroundings
Dal Parco del Po alla Riserva Speciale del Sacro Monte di Crea
Walks and visits
Via delle Cappelle
From the sanctuary to the woodland chapels along the Sacro Monte devotional route.
No verified GPX track is available for this visit.
Visitor informationBefore you visit
Do I need to book Cappella del Paradiso?
Yes, entry to chapel 23 requires booking. Ask the information point about availability, arrangements and the current charge; walking outside does not include admission to the chapel.
Can I cycle around the chapels?
Cycling access to the historic area requires permission from the managing body. Plan your arrival separately from the walking visit; the monumental route includes steps and slopes.