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Santa Caterina - Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso

A suggestive balcony overlooking the Borromean Gulf, Stresa, and the islands.

With a splendid view of the Borromean Gulf, Stresa, and the islands, the majestic Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso rises, a monastery perched on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore. Art and history intertwine in this hermitage born from a vow to Saint Catherine of Alexandria by a merchant who survived a storm. The complex has been managed by Dominican, Carmelite, and Benedictine monks and is now a destination for numerous pilgrimages.

Locarno - Sacred Mountain of Madonna del Sasso

A journey through the sacred and architectural beauties.

In Orsilia, on top of a rocky spur, stands the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso. An ancient religious complex called Sacred Mountain, consisting of the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Via Crucis and its stations in small chapels, the Chapel of the Pietà in the courtyard, the Lamentation over the Dead Christ, the Last Supper, and the Holy Spirit placed under the portico of the sanctuary. The staircase, the cemetery cross, the churchyard, and finally the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, known as Madonna del Sasso, complete the complex.

Borromean Islands

A harmony of colors emerges from the waters.

Surrounded by the lake’s shores, the islands rise like treasures emerging from the waters. Their character is shaped by particular and unusual vegetation with over 2000 species. On Isola Madre, there is unusual fauna such as white peacocks, oriental birds, and golden pheasants. To admire the multicolored blooms present all year round, Isola Bella is the one that holds a riot of vividly colored species.

Villa Taranto

A long journey through distant countries.

Nestled in the territory of Verbania, there is a place that crosses distant countries and their long histories. Villa Taranto embodies the concept of a botanical garden hosting very rare collections of plants and flowers lining small waterfalls and ponds for water lilies and lotus flowers. Thanks to the intuition of Captain McEacharn, the villa’s treasure has been accessible to thousands of visitors since 1940.

Vigezzo Valley

An immersive journey through woods and wild nature.

The heart of the Vigezzo Valley, Santa Maria Maggiore, includes much of the Val Grande National Park, a protected alpine area characterized by wild nature, ideal for nature lovers and trekkers. Vast forests stretch across the area, characterized by their lush nature.