eremo di s. caterina del sasso

This is one of the most beautiful parts by lake maggiore with the snow capped Alps in the distance and the church on a steep cliff above the water . The Stone steps wind down from the road to the church below and a lift is available to go back up . It is peaceful and serene..a place to contemplate nature . There is a charming little souvenir shop at the entrance to the church garden where natural jams and honey prepared by the monks can be bought as well as religious items beautifully crafted. The church itself is small but like all churches in Italy full of art. If youre in the area it's well worth a visit.

We travelled here from Verbania, crossing Lago Maggiore on the car ferry. The hermitage is only a few minutes drive from the ferry and parking is free. Unfortunately, we did not remember that the site is not open all day out of season and we arrived just after it had closed for lunch (11.45. - 2.00 pm). There are walks through the nearby woods to fill the time, but be careful as the signs are not particularly good half way round!We walked down the steps to the hermitage and back up again. I am not particularly fit, so do try the walk as the steps are not steep and the views are well worth the effort.The hermitage itself is quite small and only takes A short time to visit. We were lucky that it was not full of other tourists, so we really felt the peace of the place. We also liked the antique and HUGE grape and olive press. Do look out for it.The shop is small and does not take credit cards, but does sell reasonably priced sweets!A memorable visit.

I am originally from the Lago Maggiore area, and from time to time I manage to go back and visit the Eremo of S. Caterina, as in my opinion this is the very best place on our lake. This Eremo is built on the cliffs that face the lake, and it is easily accessible by lift, or by walking through a lovely, yet quite challenging on the way back, set of stairs that overlook the lake. If you take the lift, you should pay few euros to get in, otherwise you can choose to take the stairs for free.Once you get to the hermitage, you can immediately feel the spiritual atmosphere and the religious silence that is interrupted solely by the little waves of the lake. From there, you can contemplate the lake from a privileged point of view.I would suggest you to combine this visit with a ferry that takes you from Stresa to the Islands and then to here, so you can see the most beautiful spots in one go. The hermitage has a small deck for boats.Basically, you cannot say you visited the lake if you've not been there.

12th Century Hermitage that can be easily and conveniently reached via ferry from Stresa. It is a very peaceful and inspirational place perched on a rocky ridge. The buildings are still very well preserved.Found the following information that I found interesting and instructive and thought of sharing it with you all:The hermitage was founded by the wealthy merchant, Alberto Besozzi in 1170. Whilst he was out in his boat one evening he was caught up in a storm and his boat capsized. He prayed to St Catherine to be saved and that if his prayers were answered he would give all his money to the poor and retire to live as a hermit. His prayers were answered and so he went to live in a cave as a hermit. In 1195 the plague struck the local population and he was asked for help. In return he asked the local people to build a votive chapel to St Catherine. In 1205 Alberto Besozzi died and he was buried near the St Catherine Chapel. People would come there and pray to be cured. In 1270 some noblemen from Ispra built the new St Mary Chapel after their town was miraculously freed from the wolves which were killing their livestock. People began to come to the complex to live as hermits and it is first documented as a hermitage in 1301 and as they chose a spiritual path in life, the hermitage gained canonical status in 1334.

This monastery was recommended to us by our host and it was a nice visit. The little church is built in the mountain wall, directly on the lake. It has a beautiful view and the shop has nice ceramics and nice little souvenirs.

Perfectly located at the top of the cliffs - this restaurant is a true pearl!Try their degustazione and be surpriced!!!

It was my favorite place around the lakes, where we have spent a week in August. Its very easy to go there by car or by boat (we took the public boat from Stesa, just opossite). There are a few options for selecting the time to go there by boat, the last one is 4.15 from Stresa, and going back at 5.15 or similar.The Monastery is beautifully restored..You can see some common areas facing the lake, and a part of the church, with very old frescoes. if you are lucky enough you can hear prayers and singing psalmodies..Then you can take a lift, going up to the level of the road (where there is a restaurant) and going back from the steps to catch the ferry. The views are lovely, the gardens the same.

A wonderful place to spend half a day. The place is easy to get to and has a free car park. The walk to the Hermitage only takes around 10 minutes using 240 steps. The buildings built on the rocks right above the Lake are very well preserved. The histotical facts are very iteresting and the chuch invites to prayers. We loved it and enjoyed just staring at the lake on a peaceful morning. The site also offers various hihes from the car park. There is a restaurant and bar at the top of stairs and the staff is very friendly.

This tiny monastery and hermitage is clinging to the cliff high over the lake. There isn't much to see but pick up a leaflet from the tourist office to read the story of its foundation which is fascinating. The highlight is the church with its decoration and stained glass windows. The views alone are worth the walk down the cliff - although there is now a lift for a small fee.

Here lies Saint Besozzo, who was shipwrecked on Lake Maggiore and washed up near Leggiuno, who upon being saved started a monstery on the cliff face. A stunning setting, with beautiful views of the lake. For the fit there is a winding path down to the monestary, and the mumified remains. For the others there is a lift. If you're nearby this is really worth a visit.

A lovely spot, perched up on the cliff.  Tranquil and calm.  A pleasant journey across from Stresa on the boat and very good views back.  The newly installed lift to the top, not mentioned on most of the tourist information gives access to a cafe and restaurant at the top.

The place is beautiful, peaceful, the panorama from the Hermitage is exceptional to the lake. The guards were helpful, offered to take photos from 4 of us. We visited in February with mild fog and snowy peaks were at the backround mountains. A kolostor és a környék csodálatos, meghitt és békés hangulatú. A kilátás a tóra és a hegyekre gyönyörű. A februári táj, ködös és havas hegyek nagyon szép volt, nyáron is biztos az. Mindenkinek ajánlom.

Well, not that crowded, relative to Rome, but certainly it would a appear a favourite of the tourist coach. No cost to enter and the hermitage / chappels are very well preserved. Would make for a great boat trip from the other side of the lake (say Stresa).

We were staying in Laveno Mombello and a man at the supermarket recommended that we visit here and I'm so glad we did. We were able to drive there easily and there was ample parking in the free carpark. This location is just lovely and the restoration of the buildings is very well done. I enjoyed learning more about the location from the various information signs that were located around the venue. There is no fee as such for entry but donations are expected. The toilet is a squat-style one so good strong knees and legs required. Having said that it really is worth a visit to this beautiful and serene place.

Another lucky stop on our drive through the Lake Region. Unbelievable 12th century hermitage built along the cliffs of Lago di Maggiore. Also a ferry stop to Stressa. Elevator access although the stairs provide a great work-out. Very well maintained. Would highly recommend visiting.