Hermitage Santa Caterina del Sasso

Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro was originally a hermitage that was converted into a monastery by the Dominicans in the 13th century. It is located in the municipality of Leggiuno in the province of Varese and is situated directly on Lake Maggiore.

According to tradition, the rich merchant Alberto Besozzi was shipwrecked and vowed to found a monastery if he survived. He later became a hermit and is buried in the church. In 1230, the Dominicans built the small monastery and oratory. Around 1450, more stairs were added to connect the individual parts of the building. In the following centuries, the monastery was rebuilt and enlarged several times to provide more space for the increasing flow of pilgrims. Since April 2019, the monastery has been run by a Franciscan community.

Like many ancient hermitages, it was built on rocks in places of difficult access. The hermitage is accessible from the lake side and from the land side. One can reach the monastery by descending a scenic steep staircase of 268 steps, via the lake by climbing an octet of steps or comfortably by an ignition with access near the car park.

Concerts such as the 'Settimane Musicali di Stresa' are also held in the frescoed church.