 It is built on a natural terrace on the rocky slopes of Monte Tre Croci ("three crosses mountain"), on the left bank of the Sesia river where it leaves Val Mastallone.It is 600 m above sea level, 150 m above the historic centre of Varallo.The Sacro Monte at Varallo comprises the minor basilica and 45 chapels, either isolated or inserted into the large monumental complexes "Nazareth", "Bethlehem", "Pilate’s house", "Calvary", "Sepulchre" and "Parella’s house" – populated by more than 800 life size painted statues, in wood and terracotta, that dramatically illustrate the life, passion, death and resurrection of Christ.