Santa Caterina del Sasso

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Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
(Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso)
Leggiuno, Santa Caterina del Sasso 002.JPG
Façade and the bell tower of the church.
Religion
Affiliation Roman Catholic
Province Varese
Ecclesiastical or organizational status National monument
StatusActive
Location
Location Leggiuno, Italy
Geographic coordinates 45°52′39″N8°35′49″E / 45.877411°N 8.596887°E / 45.877411; 8.596887 Coordinates: 45°52′39″N8°35′49″E / 45.877411°N 8.596887°E / 45.877411; 8.596887
Architecture
TypeChurch
Style Romanesque
Groundbreaking1170
Completed19th century
Website
santacaterinadelsasso.com

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.

Contents

The monastery can be reached on foot by descending down a long winding stairway or by taking an elevator or by a number of ferry services or boats that dock at the pier.

The construction of the monastery dates from the 14th century, although the more recent frescos are from the 19th century. It consists of three buildings: the southern convent, the convent and the main church. In 1914 it was declared a national monument. You get the best view of Santa Caterina from the ferry boat on the Lago Maggiore, and the first thing you see is that the monastery consists of three chapels.

History [1]

Albertus Besozzi founded Santa Caterina del Sasso, a wealthy cloth merchant who survived a violent storm at sea. After that experience, he lived as a hermit in a grotto at exactly this place. In 1195 he was asked for spiritual support by the residents of Lago Maggiore. In return, he asked to construct a chapel, Santa Caterina del Sasso. Albertus Besozzi died in 1205 and was buried there. This was the beginning of this fascinating monastery, and it was extended over the centuries. Inside are excellent frescoes from the 13th to the 17th century. The first chapel, the chapter house, was extended by an additional floor in the 17th century, and the famous frescoes of the great crucifixion got heavily damaged. The main chapel is the most beautiful, with frescoes in the baroque vault in the nave. You will also find a wooden replica of the eremite in the back of the main chapel.

The wooden replica of the eremite, the blessed Alberto Besozzi of Arolo,, died Sep. 3rd, 1205 Eremit of Catarina del Sasso.jpg
The wooden replica of the eremite, the blessed Alberto Besozzi of Arolo,, died Sep. 3rd, 1205

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