Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
subalpine species flourish in the
Giardino Botanico Alpini
(
0323 3 02 95;
www.giardinoalpinia.it
; adult/reduced €3/2.50;
9.30am-6pm Apr-Oct)
, a botanical garden
dating from 1934.
4
Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso
HERMITAGE
OFFLINE MAP
The hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is one of the most spectacularly located
monasteries in northern Italy. Clinging to the high rocky face of Lake Maggiore's
southeast shore, about 13km north of Angera, the highlight is the
Church of St
Catherine
, which is filled with a carnival of frescoes and consists of three separ-
ate sections, connected by a stone pathway.
( 0332 28 61 63;
www.santacaterinadelsasso.com
; Via Santa Caterina 13, Leggiuno;
8.30am-noon & 2.30-5pm Mar-
Oct, 9am-noon & 2-5pm Sat & Sun Nov-Feb;
Santa Caterina)
5
Sacro Monte di San Carlo
LANDMARK
OFFLINE MAP
Milan's superstar bishop San Carlo Borromeo (1538-84) was born in Arona. In
1610 he was declared a saint and his cousin, Federico, ordered the creation of a
sacro monte
(sacred mountain), with 15 chapels lining a path uphill to a church
dedicated to the saint. The church and three of the chapels were built, along with a
hollow, 35m-high bronze-and-copper statue of Charles himself. Commonly known
as the colossus, it can be climbed, affording a spectacular view through the giant's
eyes.
( 0322 24 96 69;
www.piemontesacro.it
;
Piazza San Carlo, Arona; admission €4;
9am-12.30pm & 2.30-6pm Mar-Oct, to 4.30pm Sat & Sun Nov-Feb;
;
Arona)
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