Lake Orta's Sacred Mount

In the 16th century it was fashionable for very rich patrons to fund a secluded, preferably picturesque, rural location and erect several small chapels containing frescoes and life-sized statues depicting scenes from the Bible. Pilgrims would walk from chapel to chapel at sites such as this one, San Franceso in Orta San Giulio, on Lake Orta in Piedmont. It is entirely dedicated to scenes from the Life of St. Francis of Assisi.

Chapel One: Francis is born in a stable

Graffiti defaces Chapel Two, where Francis dons tattered
rags received in exchange for his own fancy finery

Chapel Three is a perfect example of classical architecture

Townspeople rich and poor listen to Francis preach in Chapel Four

Sculptures and frescoes blend with each other in Chapel Five

Light-hearted angels on the ceiling of Chapel Six contrast with the suffering humanity depicted in the statues below

It has often been said that the man who painted the ethereal frescoes in Chapel Seven, Antonio Maria Crespi, might have gone on to great fame if he had not died of the plague at a young age

In Chapel Eight, Francis rides a chariot of fire drawn by two kicking steeds

Francis's beloved Clare finally comes onto the scene in Chapel Nine. Having dedicated her life to simplicity and poverty, one wonders how she'd have reacted to this Baroque depiction of her in sumptuous red and blue robes

Jesus and Mary sit on a throne in Chapel Eleven. Out of sight, Francis kneels on the floor before them

Chapel Thirteen is crammed with statues gawking at Francis as he stumbles through the streets half-naked

How different is the thoughtful attention of the Sultan of Egypt, who listens to Francis preaching in Chapel Fourteen

By the time Francis dies in Chapel Seventeen, we feel that we have lived his life with him, and if we are good pilgrims, we will take him home in our hearts forever