Santa Caterina del Sasso

Hermitage of 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 settled on top of a rocky ridge on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore offering pilgrims and visitors alike sweeping views that overlook the water.

The Santa Caterina hermitage was founded by a rich merchant, Alberto Besozzi. As the story goes, involved in a shipwreck, Besozzi placed his trust in Saint Catherine of Alessandria and made a vow of penitence should he be saved. The merchant saved himself by grasping onto the rocks and as promised, he retreated there to become a hermit: the hermitage was founded in that place.

The hermitage can only be reached on foot, by descending a steep flight of steps from the above built-up area, or from the lake. A lift dug out from the rock was inaugurated in 2010 to facilitate access from the car park above. The true monastic complex dates back to the 1300’s.

The hermitage has a rich calendar of liturgical celebrations and events throughout the entire year. The concerts have become very popular at the end of July and are in connection with Stresa’s Settimane Musicali.