The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is a Roman Catholic monastery set in a stunning position clinging to the rock face on the south-east shore of Lake Maggiore. Perched on its “balcony” overlooking the Borromeo Gulf, the monastery is located in the municipality of Leggiuno, in the Province of Varese, the region of Lombardy, Italy. This is one of the most intriguing historical sites on Lake Maggiore. Originally only accessible by boat or via a steep staircase down the cliff from 60m above now you reach it from the lake by climbing a flight of 80 steps or you can descend the 268 steps from the car park above.
The Hermitage was founded in the 12th century by the merchant Alberto Besozzi of Arolo. In 1195 he built a tiny, isolated church in recognition of his deliverance. The present buildings date from the late 13th – early 14th centuries.A legend said that the shrine was used as hermitage by the blessed Alberto Besozzo, who miraculously took refuge on these rocks during a tempest and retired there after a solemn vow to Santa Caterina, the patroness of sailors. The monastery consists of three buildings: the southern convent, the convent and the main church. In 1914 it was declared a national monument. Inside there are some important well-kept frescoes dating from the 14th to the 18th century. Today the monastery is run by a community of Oblate Benedictines.
The inner courtyard of the complex opens onto the church, whose portico is formed of four rounded arches in Renaissance style. Appealing to tourists from all over the world, there is a new possibility this year for those wanting to visit the hermitage: the newly inaugurated elevator that provides easy access for the elderly or disabled.
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