SANCTUARY OF MADONNA DEL SASSO
Locarno’s Mountainside Pilgrimmage Church
The
church of the Santuario della Madonna del Sasso sits on the wooded
hillside
on the
edge of a deep ravine above the city of Locarno in southern
Switzerland, standing out in a bright ocre yellow against the green trees
surrounding it. In 1480 a Franciscan monk, Brother Bartholomeo da Ivrea
saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and 7 years later a sanctuary was established
on the stony promontory, Madonna of the Rock (sasso). In
the centuries since, the church has been a site of Christian pilgrimage
and is still
an active
Capucin monastery, though only about six brothers are there now, and
a popular attraction for tourists to Locarno.
The
Franciscan church from the 16th Century presents a rather formal Italianate
facade with cieling frescos in its arches, though some have faded.
The illustrated Baroque interior features with a lovely
statue
of the
Virgin
on the
high
altar
and some
impressive paintings, including the “Flight to Egypt” by
Bramartino and “Bearing Christ to the Sepulchre” by local
Ticino artist Antonio Ciseri. The votive offerings near the door are
evidence of the church’s continuing importance to pilgrims. The
view of the city and Lake Maggiore from the open arcade on the southeastern
side of the church is spectacular and
a prime photo spot found on Locarno’s post cards.
The
most striking feature of the Madonna del Sasso are the sculptural depictions
of biblical events found in the sanctuary below the main church. Elsewhere
can be seen paintings of the Last Supper, like the fascinating one
by Bernardo Luini in Lugano (see Luini's
Last Supper), but here terracotta
sculptures of the disciples
surround Jesus at his table in three dimensions, behind a locked gate.
There is also a small museum of religious icons and sacret art. The
church and sanctuary are open everyday, the museum is only open from
2-5 in
the afternoons.
There are
a few ways to get to the Madonna Del Sasso Sanctuary. A hiking trail
from the
city below is a healthy steep walk, notable for its stations
of shrines along the winding path. The shrines are wearing a bit with
age as most visitors no longer walk, but ride. The Funicular Locarno
- Madonna del Sasso, takes a 15 minute ride from the center of the city
on the Via Ramogna main street, across from the rail station. The church,
officially in suburb of Orselina, can also be reached by car, but that’s
the least interesting way to get there. The Cardada cable car continues
higher up to the summit of Cimetta Mountain recreation area from the
church station where there is a little restaurant. Halfway up the funicular
track is a stop for the Hotel
Belvedere with a beautiful hillside view
of the city. © Bargain
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SEE
ALSO:
MONTE
SAN SALVATOR FUNICULAR - LUGANO
CASTLE
VISCONTI - LOCARNO
ASCONA RESORT TOWN ON LAKE MAGGIORE
HOTEL CASTELLO SEECHLOSS ASCONA
ABBEY
OF ST MAURICE TREASURES & MARTYRS
