Madonna del Sasso (Santuario della Madonna del Sasso)
Site of Roman Catholic pilgrimage founded after a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared in 1480
About Madonna del Sasso (Santuario della Madonna del Sasso)
Locarno
The Sacred Mount of Madonna del Sasso is a significant pilgrimage site located in Orselina, above Locarno in Ticino. Perched at 696 metres on a hill, it offers stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains. The sanctuary’s history dates to 1480 when a Franciscan friar named Bartolomeo da Ivrea had a vision of the Virgin Mary. In response, he established a chapel on the site, which was consecrated in 1487. Over time, the sanctuary expanded, with a series of chapels along the Via Crucis leading up to the main church. The Church of the Annunciation was built at the base of the hill, and the central church, dedicated to the Assumption, was consecrated in 1616. In 1880, the site was officially recognized as a sanctuary, and in 1918, it was elevated to the status of a minor basilica. The sanctuary features a mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with beautiful interiors that include artworks by notable artists such as Bramantino and Antonio Ciseri. The site is accessible via a funicular from Locarno, which offers a scenic ascent to Orselina, or you can walk the 20-minute Via Crucis for a more contemplative approach.
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