Rating
4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)
Interesting Sites Nearby
User Reviews
David Clark (7 months ago)
Beautiful church in a superb location. Steep walk down to the church, but well worth it.
Beautiful church in a superb location. Steep walk down to the church, but well worth it.
Vincenzo Prestera (7 months ago)
Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (Italian: Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso) is a Roman Catholic monastery located in the municipality of Leggiuno, in the Province of Varese and the region of Lombardy, Italy. It is perched on a rocky ridge on the eastern shore 16m above Lake Maggiore. The monastery can be reached on foot by descending down a long winding stairway or by taking an elevator (which costs €1). Entrance ticket costs €5 (€3 for children or elderly). Dogs cannot access to the church but only to the surrounding area. Parking slots are free.
Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (Italian: Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso) is a Roman Catholic monastery located in the municipality of Leggiuno, in the Province of Varese and the region of Lombardy, Italy. It is perched on a rocky ridge on the eastern shore 16m above Lake Maggiore. The monastery can be reached on foot by descending down a long winding stairway or by taking an elevator (which costs €1). Entrance ticket costs €5 (€3 for children or elderly). Dogs cannot access to the church but only to the surrounding area. Parking slots are free.
Cassie Tresl (9 months ago)
There is a free parking lot that’s a 3 minute walk to the entrance of the convent. You can buy tickets at the booth and do not need reservations. Entrance costs €5 and is free for young kids, but you must pay €1 extra if you want to use the elevator. We took the stairs and it only took us about 10 minutes but as a warning, it can be steep for many people. If it’s rainy, the stone staircase is also slippery. Convent is very beautiful with impressive old fresco paintings and details.
There is a free parking lot that’s a 3 minute walk to the entrance of the convent. You can buy tickets at the booth and do not need reservations. Entrance costs €5 and is free for young kids, but you must pay €1 extra if you want to use the elevator. We took the stairs and it only took us about 10 minutes but as a warning, it can be steep for many people. If it’s rainy, the stone staircase is also slippery. Convent is very beautiful with impressive old fresco paintings and details.
Amanda G (15 months ago)
Amazing place. Really beautiful setting. Unfortunately boats weren't running but we drove and parked at the car park above. Stairs weren't too onerous and although there are a lot, they have such beautiful views over Lake Maggiore that you can stop regularly and take in the scenery. Once inside, there's not a lot to see but what there is, is fascinating, the whole history, the chapel itself and the body are at the end of the brief walk but you can take your time. It was very quiet when we went in mid March and it was very quiet with possibly a dozen people there. The little gift shop has a few foodie things and there's the option to choose other pieces such as rosary beads, keychains etc for a donation. As we had quite a long day and we'd walked a lot the few previous days we decided to take the lift back up. For the sake of a Euro each it's well worth it!
Amazing place. Really beautiful setting. Unfortunately boats weren't running but we drove and parked at the car park above. Stairs weren't too onerous and although there are a lot, they have such beautiful views over Lake Maggiore that you can stop regularly and take in the scenery. Once inside, there's not a lot to see but what there is, is fascinating, the whole history, the chapel itself and the body are at the end of the brief walk but you can take your time. It was very quiet when we went in mid March and it was very quiet with possibly a dozen people there. The little gift shop has a few foodie things and there's the option to choose other pieces such as rosary beads, keychains etc for a donation. As we had quite a long day and we'd walked a lot the few previous days we decided to take the lift back up. For the sake of a Euro each it's well worth it!
Wahca (2 years ago)
A recommended visit if you are into architecture and history. The hermitage is the only building on this tiny island. We took the ferry from Stresa (ten minute ride), and the ticket staff will be more than happy to share the ferry schedule w you. Do put on comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb up flights of stairs (about 80 steps from what I see on Lonely Planet) to get to the Chapel level from the ferry drop-off. It was fairly crowded as we went on a Sunday in May'23. We did not climb up to the ultimate top level where the cafe/carparking is. The views from the Chapel level were fantastic enough...lots to see too including an 18th century wine press. The stained / painted glass/walls are of course, v diff from the bigger churches but just as captivating. A wonder of its own considering if was built almost at the edge of the cliff!
A recommended visit if you are into architecture and history. The hermitage is the only building on this tiny island. We took the ferry from Stresa (ten minute ride), and the ticket staff will be more than happy to share the ferry schedule w you. Do put on comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb up flights of stairs (about 80 steps from what I see on Lonely Planet) to get to the Chapel level from the ferry drop-off. It was fairly crowded as we went on a Sunday in May'23. We did not climb up to the ultimate top level where the cafe/carparking is. The views from the Chapel level were fantastic enough...lots to see too including an 18th century wine press. The stained / painted glass/walls are of course, v diff from the bigger churches but just as captivating. A wonder of its own considering if was built almost at the edge of the cliff!
