The hermitage of Santa Caterina located located in the municipality of Leggiuno, in the Province of Varese in northern Italy, offering an ancient charm in the most beautiful guardian of Lake Maggiore, steeped in history, legends, and miracles. It’s called the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, and its location is spectacular: it clings to the rock of Sasso Ballaro, overlooking the lake, almost as if defying time and the laws of nature, suspended between sky and water in a fragile yet captivating balance.
This gem is located in Leggiuno, in the province of Varese, and can be reached via a scenic staircase or by boat. But beyond its undeniable architectural beauty, it also has an interesting story to tell. Here, in particular, a miracle is said to have occurred, linked to the very rock face into which it is nestled.
The hermitage’s history began with a tragedy: the greedy merchant Alberto Besozzi, supposedly saved from shipwreck while crossing the lake thanks to his prayers to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. He decided to make a vow, retreating as a hermit to that stretch of coast, in a cave, for the rest of his life. There he built a chapel dedicated to the Saint in 1170, which is still preserved inside the church today.
It was soon joined by two other churches, Santa Maria Nova and San Nicola or Nicolao, patron saint of sailors, and seven years later the third church, dedicated to Saint Catherine, was built. The complex was initially governed by the Dominicans, between 1314 and 1645, later replaced by the Carmelites of Mantua until 1770.
In 1914, the complex was declared a national monument, while in 1970 ownership was transferred to the Province of Varese, which began major restoration and consolidation works, reopening it to the public in 1986. The hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro presents itself as a complex set of buildings: the southern convent, the “conventino” and the courtyard of the press, that tell the story of centuries of architectural stratifications of this place.
How to get there
There are several options to reach it. On foot, the most scenic access is via a long, panoramic staircase of over 250 steps, surrounded by greenery. Alternatively, a convenient modern elevator carved into the rock is available.
Those wanting to visit by car can park nearby and continue on foot, while during the busiest months it is also possible to reach the hermitage by lake, with boats and vessels that dock directly at the small pier at the bottom.
Book hotels near Santa Caterina
