Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso

Dario Galli - President of the Province of Varese

Wednesday | 03 November 2010

Reaching, meeting and getting to know the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
involves more than simple touristic curiosity. In itself, the journey to this wonderful example of 12th century architecture – either by car, boat or train – allows us to come to peace with the wonderful countryside of the province of lakes, its history and its culture.

Then the arrival at the magnificent monastic construction overhanging the deep waters of Verbano, charmingly set into the rock face known as “Sasso Ballaro” in medieval times. In a magical atmosphere, where intellectual curiosity is interwoven with spiritual meditation, centuries of history unfold, divulged by the series of various architectural modifications, including porticatos, small convent, church, chapels, frescoes inside and outside the walls, and, in particular, captivating views of Lago Maggiore.

All in an atmosphere of peace and perfect environmental balance. The many visitors and the tens of thousands of pilgrims who visit the hermitage every year can only be enchanted, and they will find it easy to reach, thanks to an engineering jewel constructed by Varese Province: the lift in the rock, which takes visitors 51 metres down from the Cascine del Quiquio square above the monastic complex, avoiding the need to go down the flight of stairs leading toward the lake.

Santa Caterina del Sasso is a unique experience, one that can be previewed by visiting the Tourist Office website, which also provides all the necessary information and details.

However, do not forget that although this “Virtual advance view” is comprehensive and fascinating, it is still fundamentally an invitation to visit the hermitage in person and to immerge yourself in the atmosphere of a precious part of our historical, artistic and religious heritage, restored to its ancient splendour thanks to the sensitivity and dedication to the local territory shown by local institutions and by Varese Province in particular.