The elevator in the rock

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso can also be reached by the new elevator dug into the rock and built by Varese Province. The elevator is particularly suitable for the elderly and disabled, allowing them to easily cover the 51 metres height difference between Cascine del Quiquio square and the actual entrance to the Hermitage. This engineering jewel can carry up to 12 people at a time. It was made by digging a shaft 6 metres diameter, 51 metre deep into the rock, connected to a horizontal exit tunnel, 45 metres long, coming out onto a panoramic view of Lago Maggiore. This daring and spectacular undertaking completes the series of major restructuring safety work conducted on the whole area on which stands the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. Particular note should be taken of the stabilisation of the entire rock face above, and the consolidation of the foundations of the Church and of the bell tower, which had become rather precarious due to gravitational movements involving the whole rock mass lying between the Hermitage and the Lake.