Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso (Ticino, Switzerland)

The Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso in Orselina is one of the most important religious and historical sites in the canton of Ticino. Tradition says that Fra ' Bartolomeo , a Franciscan friar of the convent of Locarno, wanted to build a place of worship on the "Rock " of Locarno as a result of an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Today it consists of the Church of the Annunciation at the foot of the Mount, the Via Crucis and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso , the Sacred Mountain is a wealth of art, history and spirituality. Leaning on a spectacular outcrop of rock, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church above Locarno is preceded by a large square from which you can see the deep valley and the wild. Next to the church, a porch allows you to enjoy a fantastic view over Locarno, the lake and the surrounding mountains. From the center of Locarno you reach the beginning of the old access road. From here the crossway starts, a path surrounded by a charming natural scenery, rich in artistic and picturesque chapels that climbs up to the top of the rock outcrop where you can find the beautiful Sanctuary; recently restored. The Holy Mountain is also reachable by funicular Locarno- Madonna del Sasso. Being in close proximity to the base station of the cable car, Orselina- Cardada- Cimetta, the Sacred Mountain can also represent the starting point for a hike in the mountains.