Scenic Trains
Glacier
Express
Bernina
Express
Golden
Pass Line
Wilhelm
Tell Express
Mont
Blanc - St Bernard
Palm
Express
Excursion Trains
Jungfraujoch
Chocolate
Train
Gornergrat
Matterhorn
Mt
Rigi Railway
Roches
De Naye
Ticino Attractions
Monte
San Salvatore
Madonna
Del Sasso
Carnival
Bellinzona
Locarno
Film Festival
TICINO ATTRACTIONS
SANCTUARY OF MADONNA DEL SASSO
Pilgrimage Church of Locarno
The
pilgrimage sanctuary church of the Madonna Del Sasso (Madonna of the
Rock) is situated on a wooded hillside at the edge of a deep ravine,
looking down on the city of Locarno on Lake Maggiore in Ticino Switzerland.
In 1480. Brother Bartholomeo da Ivrea, a Franciscan monk had a vision
of
the Virgin
Mary
on the rocky hilltop and established a sanctuary on the spot seven years
later. In the centuries since, the church has been a site of Christian
pilgrimage and is still an operating Capucin monastery, but only a few
brothers remaining in residence.
The Franciscan church dating from the 16th Century has a beautiful Italianate facade with ceiling frescos in its arches. The Baroque interior features a lovely statue of the Virgin on the high altar and some impressive illustrative paintings, among them the “Bearing Christ to the Sepulcher” by local Ticino artist Antonio Ciseri. Votive offerings 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 offers a spectacular view of the lake and town below.
In alcoves below the main church are statuary depictions of biblical events, terracotta sculptures of the disciples surround Jesus at the last supper table. There is also a small museum of religious icons and sacred art. The church and sanctuary are open everyday, the museum is only open from 2-5 in the afternoons. The Funicular Locarno-Madonna del Sasso, makes a 15 minute ride from the center of the city on the Via Ramogna main street, across from the rail station.
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