Lake Maggiore The Hermitage of Santa Caterina Del Sasso
The Monastery of Santa Caterina Del Sasso was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It was during the 15th century that Agostinian monks came to live in this Hermitage. Then other brotherhoods will occupy this place over the centuries. You can reach the Hermitage either by road, along the right bank of Lake Maggiore to the town of Leggiano, or by ferry from the left bank from the small town of Stresa (the shipping company Navigazione Laghi will take you there will drive). It will cost you about 7 euros.
We chose the route that allows us to admire the beauty of this lake surrounded by mountains straddling Piedmont and Lombardy. Arrived on site, a large parking lot awaits us. Even if this place is hung on the wall, everyone can access it without difficulty. Either down the 268 steps from the car park or up the 80 steps from the pier when coming from Stresa by ferry. The last solution is to take the elevator from the car park which will take you 56 meters lower effortlessly for the modest sum of 1 euro.
We descend the 268 steps to admire the panoramic view of Lake Maggiore all along our approach steeped in history
The entrance is through the portico overlooking the lake. We continue, an old press welcomes us a little further. The vegetation that surrounds us brings welcome freshness on hot days.
After visiting the southern convent and the small convent, here we are in a small courtyard. Four arches face us, behind a fresco adorns the wall, time has abused it a bit.
We enter the church which is covered with frescoes, calm and rest finally within reach...so much history between these walls!!
After this visit you can continue to stroll along the wall. Why not go down to the pier and have another approach to the place.
Even if you are not a fan of churches or historical frescoes, you can still be charmed by this place. You will not regret your trip back in time, as the place is exceptional. The hermitage of course, but also the setting...the immensity of the lake and the mountains that surround it. You will certainly find inspiration to bring back some beautiful souvenir photos. A piece of advice to finish...if you get tired, you can go up by the elevator to the parking lot...268 steps after a morning of visit :)...And come in the morning instead, you will enjoy a little more of the calm. Good trip and good photos