This is a VERY special place. Set above the town of Tarvisio in the province of Udine in the Italy’s most north-eastern region Friuli-Venezia Giulia, on the peak of Mount Lussari (Italian: Monte Lussari, Slovene: Svete Visarje) is the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the second half of the 14th century. The sanctuary has long been the destination of pilgrimages of Italian, Slavic and German believers. Legend has it that the Madonna appeared where the sanctuary is built. At the elevation of 1766 meters there is also a village, which is an attraction on its own. It’s one of the most beautiful places in this part of Italy. The 15-minute cable car ride offers absolute heavenly views that go on forever. There are also plenty of lovely restaurants and cafes to relax and refuel. For ski lovers, the Prampero ski run starts from the top of the mountain offering one of the most exciting ski slopes of the region.
All in all, the Mount Lussari is not just one of the oldest and highest pilgrimage destination and one of the most popular hiking and skiing spots – it is a natural attraction simply worth a visit (it is about 1 hour 10 minutes drive from the Bled area).
Monte Santo di Lussari with the mountain Cima del Cacciatore in the background. (Image by Achilli Family | Journeys / CC BY 2.0)
(Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Monte Santo di Lussari with the pilgrimage church Santa Maria In Excelsis. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
(Image by Achilli Family | Journeys / CC BY 2.0)
(Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Interior of the pilgrimage church Santa Maria In Excelsis on top of the Mount Lussari. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Cable car to Monte Lussari. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
The cable car ride is comfortable and the views from the top of the mountain are fascinating. (Image by Achilli Family | Journeys / CC BY 2.0)
(Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mountain station of the cable car on the Mount Lussari. (Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
View from top of Mount Lussari at the the village Camporosso. (Image by Achilli Family | Journeys / CC BY 2.0)
(Image by Johann Jaritz / CC BY-SA 3.0)
Monte Santo di Lussari in the wintertime. (Image by taleoma / CC BY 2.0)
(Image by Horst Gutmann / CC BY-SA 2.0)
(Image by Dean Zobec / CC BY-SA 2.0)
(Image by Dean Zobec / CC BY-SA 2.0)
(Image by Alessio Milan / CC BY-SA 2.0)
(Image by Alessio Milan / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Location:
Monte Lussari Sanctuary Address: Santuario del Monte Lussari, Via Valcanale, 79, 33010 Camporosso UD, Italy
Monte Lussari Sanctuary Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.480419, 13.522855
Monte Lussari Sanctuary GPS coordinates: 46° 28′ 49.5084” N 13° 31′ 22.2780” E
Directions from Apartments Fine Stay to Monte Lussari Sanctuary (drive 57 km, 1 hour 10 minutes)
Directions from Apartments Fine Stay Bled to Monte Lussari Sanctuary (drive 66 km, 1 hour 15 minutes)
