Discover Leggiuno: Monastic Culture, Trails and Lake Views

Leggiuno between Monastic Culture and the Lakeshore

Leggiuno combines historic churches and monasteries with trails for hikers and cyclists, as well as the shores of Lake Maggiore. The Chiesa dei Santi Primo e Feliciano, the Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso and the lakeside landscape each add their own distinctive character.

Historic Sites with Their Own Character

The Chiesa dei Santi Primo e Feliciano was founded before the 9th century. Since AD 846, it has preserved the relics of the two saints Primo and Feliciano. Particularly striking is a balustrade made from reused elements of a 2nd-century AD Roman sarcophagus. The Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso is a monastery complex formed by the union of three chapels.

The Eremo and Its Access

The complex is open daily; one-hour guided tours are offered for groups. The daily opening applies to the complex, while the one-hour guided tours are specifically offered for groups. From the upper car park, the Eremo can be reached by descending a panoramic staircase with 268 steps. The descent via the staircase is therefore an integral part of the access route and can be taken into account when planning the timing alongside a guided tour.

Circular Routes for Different Interests

The “Anello di Santa Caterina del Sasso” circular route is approximately 20 km long and starts at the Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso. It passes through forests, old mule tracks and small hamlets. The approximate distance is important for planning the time required; the varied landscapes divide the route into several sections. On a circular route of around 20 kilometres, time and breaks are part of practical day planning.

Leggiuno also has a network of wooded trails for mountain biking; around 80% of them are rideable. The cycling tour “Discovering the Fiorita Coast of Lake Maggiore: From Angera to Santa Caterina del Sasso” is 49 km long and has a medium difficulty level. It heads towards the Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso along the steep coast of Leggiuno. The 49-kilometre route requires a different allocation of time than the shorter trails. Two shorter and more accessible routes are 1.1 km and 2 km long respectively and are suitable for families. Their distances allow for a considerably shorter time frame than the longer circular routes.

Panoramas by the Water

The Santuario di Santa Maria Stella Maris is located in the Reno district of Leggiuno. From there, Lake Maggiore is directly visible. A sandy and pebble beach in Leggiuno also offers views of the Golfo Borromeo, the Borromean Islands and Monte Rosa. The lake can therefore be included in a visit to the area, either at the Santuario in Reno or at a sandy and pebble beach.

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To the higher-level travel overview: Varese.