Madonna Del Sasso: Sanctuary, Frescoes and Paths with Lake Views

Madonna Del Sasso reveals its special character where sacred art, local history, views of the lake and paths through chestnut woods come together. The Santuario della Madonna del Sasso, the church and the fresco in Artò, historical evidence in Centonara, and the Museo dello Scalpellino in Boleto provide several concrete cultural and scenic points of reference for planning your trip. If you would like to get to know Italy not just through a single motif, but through buildings, craftsmanship and landscapes, this combination is particularly interesting.

Sanctuary and views

The Santuario della Madonna del Sasso stands on a rocky promontory and offers an exceptional panoramic view over Lake Orta and the mountains on the eastern shore. For you as a traveller, this is where an interest in sacred architecture combines with expansive views of the lake and mountain landscape.

The present-day complex of the Santuario della Madonna del Sasso includes the church, bell tower and hermitage; it was built in the first half of the 18th century. Its architecture and frescoes are by the Valsesian painter and architect Lorenzo Peracino. This makes the site equally appealing to visitors interested in architecture and religious imagery.

Frescoes, churches and history

On the small square in the centre of Artò there is a large 16th-century fresco. It is attributed to Bailetti, a pupil of Gandenzio Ferrari from Valduggia, and depicts Mary with the Child between Saints Giulio, Rocco, Sebastiano and Stefano. The work brings a clearly recognisable sacred scene into the heart of the village.

The Chiesa Parrocchiale in Artò is dedicated to San Bernardino da Siena. It was built at the end of the 15th century and completed in its present form over the following centuries. The small square in front of the parish church is a viewpoint from which part of the lake can be seen.

The old Santa Maria Maddalena Oratory in Centonara dates from around 1300 and today features decoration from the 16th century. For travellers interested in culture, this provides another sacred setting with a long historical development.

The old hemp mill in Centonara was built in 1870 and remained in operation until the 1930s. On the third Sunday in July, Centonara celebrates the patronal festival in honour of Santa Maria Maddalena.

Stonecutting craftsmanship in Boleto

In Boleto, the Museo dello Scalpellino is part of the Ecomuseo del Lago d’Orta e Mottarone network.

The Museo dello Scalpellino displays tools, artefacts and documents. Videos as well as historical and iconographic research convey the work of stonecutters. This focus makes a visit to the museum particularly interesting for you if, alongside architecture, you would also like to learn about the work and way of life behind the buildings.

Hiking trails through the landscape

The Santuario della Madonna del Sasso is the endpoint of the Le Valli della Fede hiking trail. This trail connects smaller pilgrimage sanctuaries in the central and eastern Biellese with Lake Orta. Madonna Del Sasso is thus placed within a broader context of pilgrimage destinations, landscape and regional culture.

From the Santuario della Madonna del Sasso, the signposted Sentiero degli scalpellini leads downhill through chestnut woods and continues along an old mule track. If you would like to combine exercise with observing nature and the theme of stonecutting craftsmanship during your trip, this trail offers a clear thematic connection.

More destinations

Mozzio, Malesco, Premeno, San Bernardino Verbano, Premosello-Chiovenda, Cursolo-Orasso, Cannero Riviera, Nonio

For the overarching travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.