The special reserve

The special reserve - environment and protected area

Surface: 198 hectares
Altitude: 360 - 785 meters above sea level
Environment:  hills/lake

The Sacred Mount of Ghiffa is located in a magnificent position overlooking Lake Maggiore, behind the village of Ronco, on a plateau of Mount Cargiago whose slopes are marked by traces of ancient terraces once used to cultivate rüsera, a native vine, and blanketed by forests of chestnut trees, oaks and conifers. It is surrounded by about 200 hectares of Nature Reserve and is crossed by numerous trails and votive chapels.
The architectural structures of the complex are located within a forest of mixed broadleaved trees, with a prevalence of chestnut trees, as well as maples, ash trees, alders and birches.  Yew, holly, butcher's broom and cherry-laurel plants grow in the undergrowth, while many lindens can be found near the Sanctuary.  The wildlife is that typical of hilly environments.