Clinging to the rock overhanging, in one of the deepest points of the Verbano, the Hermitage is a monastic structure composed by the fusion of three chapels. Art and history are perfectly integrated in one of the most striking natural scenery, constituting a balcony that extends to the Borromeo Gulf, Stresa and the Borromean islands. Legend has it that it was Alberto da Besozzo who founded the hermitage in the 12th century, in honor of Saint Catherine of Egypt, whom he had invoked during a shipwreck on the Major.
The church has been painted both internally and externally by different painters, covering a period from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century. The bell tower was built in the fourteenth century, has a rectangular base and is 15 meters high.
The hermitage can be reached on foot, by descending a staircase that offers very suggestive views. It is also easily accessible by elderly or disabled people, thanks to the construction of an elevator carved in the rock made by the Province of Varese. The lift allows to overcome a difference in altitude of 51 meters, carrying up to 12 people per race.
INFO
ADDRESS: via Santa Caterina, 13 - Leggiuno
OPENING HOURS:
The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is open every day.
from 15 October to 15 December and 7 January to 15 March
From Monday to Friday: from 1:30pm to 6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
Saturday, Sunday and weekday holidays: from 9:30am to 7.30pm (last entry at 7pm)
Celebration S. Mass Mon-Fri: 5.30pm; Sat-Sun: 6pm. The entrance to the church in these times is allowed only for those who participate in the mass.
from 16 March to 14 October and from 16 December to 6 January
Every day from 9:30am to 7:30pm (last entry at 7pm)
Celebration of S. Mass at 6pm. The entrance to the church at this time is allowed only for those who participate in the mass.
Access to the church is SUSPENDED during religious services.
TICKETS:
- Full ticket: € 5
- Reduced ticket: € 3,00 reserved for:
- Over 65
- Citizens Resident in the province of Varese
- Groups of visitors formed by a minimum number of 15 people (ticket per person)
- Reduced ticket: € 4,00 reserved for:
- FAI members - Italian Environment Fund with valid card
- Free ticket: children under 18, tour guides, residents of Leggiuno
Possibility to rent audio guide on site: € 3
GUIDED TOURS:
- Guided tours in Italian language: € 100 (maximum 25/30 visitors per guide)
- Guided tours in a foreign language: € 120 (maximum 25/30 visitors per guide)
AROUND HERE:
ATTENTION: FOR ANY TIME CHANGES AND REGULATIONS IN FORCE, PLEASE VISIT THE RELEVANT ORGANISATION'S ONLINE SITE.
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