The The Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso dominates the city of Locarno from the tip of a rocky spur 370 metres asl. Located precisely in the Municipality of Orselina, it is one of the leading attractions in the Swiss town, also due to its marvellous view of Lake Maggiore.
The origins of the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso
Fra’ Bartolomeo d’Ivrea is considered the founder of the complex. At the end of the 15th century, he chose the life of a hermit from the Convent of San Francesco in Locarno, by settling at the foot of the cliff where the first church was located. At the end of the 16th century, he started building a second church (the current sanctuary) on the summit of the rocky spur, and designing a sacred path on the example of other Sacri Monti (sacred mountains) like the one in Varallo Sesia. This is how the Stations of the Cross were created. Some artists working on the path in Locarno were also involved in the works at the Sacro Monte of Varese. The complex (owned by and a convent for the Capuchins) was expropriated in the 19th century by the Swiss Republic and became the property of the Canton Ticino, but the friars are still its custodians today.
The Madonna del Sasso
The name is due to the devotion of its founder Fra’ Bartolomeo, to whom the Madonna is said to have appeared, and who spread and promoted the worship of Mary among the local people. Indeed the church is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and is home to several precious treasures, including some valuable wooden - and other - statues. One of the naves has a Flight into Egypt by Bramatino dating back to 1520.
The Locarno - Madonna del Sasso funicular railway
The Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular railway (FLMS) connects the town of Locarno with the sanctuary in Orselina. It was built at the end of the 19th century and was inaugurated in 1906. It departs just a few metres from the FFS train station. Visitors reach one of the most charming balconies overlooking Lake Maggiore in just 6 minutes (the journey is about 800 metres long) from the centre of Locarno.
Photo gallery Madonna del Sasso
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