Madonna del Sasso - Via Crucis

This historically interesting and religious path starts in the alleys of Locarno's pretty old town. On the short but steep ascent, you pass twelve Stations of the Cross chapels depicting the Passion of Jesus. The many steps are embedded in a beautiful landscape, adorned with palm trees, exotic shrubs and a small stream. Once you reach the top of Monte Sacro (Sacred Mountain), you have a wonderful view over the city of Locarno and the surrounding region, the Maggia delta and Lake Maggiore all the way to Italy. The Madonna del Sasso is a place of pilgrimage founded in 1487 by the Franciscan friar Frá Bartolomeo Piatti from Ivrea as a result of an apparition here of the Virgin Mary in 1480. It is one of the most important historical and religious sites in Ticino, characterised by works of art of great value, and the monastery is still inhabited by Capuchin monks. To get back to Locarno, take the Orselina-Locarno funicular.