>Does anyone know how the Sacro Monte (Sacred Mount) along Lake
>Orta compares to the one near Varallo? There may also be one outside
>Varese.

I have been to the Sacro Monte di Varese. I found it nice but not so special. I have never been to the one near Orta nor the one near Varallo but my italian guidebook say that the one near Varallo should be interesting. Actually it speak about architectural wise where many artists painted the chapels. Nothing reported about nature or landscape :-( Anyway don't worry about drive there because in the area there is not too traffic. Just drive to Varallo than follow the brown signs to the Sacro Monte.

Ciao, Marco in Milan - Italy