Chiesa Santa Maria del Sasso — Attraction in Circolo di Carona

Amazing place that you can reach by climbing beautiful stairs so you can enjoy the view and finally the church comes as a reward !

Founded by the Order of Antonins in 1300, the Sant’Antonio Abate church down below could no longer welcome its many faithful. The inhabitants of Morcote remembered the small votive chapel located at the foot of the mountain, above the houses, where a stone statue was found in 1313 representing the Virgin. The Santa Maria Del Sasso church was built (1462-1478) in this sanctified place.

The building has three novel style naves, an illusionist dome and six characteristic terracotta pillars. It experienced a transformation in the Baroque style in 1758. It is home to ancient frescoes as well as an antique organ dating from 1700. The frescoes, partly hidden by this organ, are attributed to Domenico suisnicus circa 1513 and represent scenes from the Passion of Christ : on the right the garden of olive trees and on the left, the Cross path. On the front wall, you can see the crucifixion and, on the vault, episodes of the genesis.

The oldest frescoes of the church, which are on the vault of edges and on the arch, were painted shortly after the end of its construction which dated from 1480-1490. They represent the Eternal Father, Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas of Aquin. Their great value is due to their quality and their originality in the history of Lombard art. The six figures of saints painted in the arch of the central nave are attributed to Domenico...

This is a place where you truly earn the reward. As one of my favorite views from a church ever, the infinite steps to the top were totally worth the effort!

The climb is a journey in itself, a beautiful monumental staircase. The final destination, the Chiesa Santa Maria del Sasso, is perched high above Lake Lugano, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the water, the old town, and the surrounding mountains. It's an incredible vantage point that leaves a lasting impression.

Beyond the view, the church itself is a serene and impressive place. It has a beautiful history, with roots dating back to the 15th century, and features ancient frescoes and an antique organ from the 1700s. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere inside provides a perfect contrast to the energetic climb.

This is a must-visit for anyone in the area who appreciates history, architecture, and a truly epic view.

Just remember to bring your walking shoes,water and be ready for a...

Am Ende der Ortschaft Morcote, die schon im 10. Jahrhundert urkundlich erwähnt wurde, führen 400 Treppenstufen zu einer Aussichtsterrasse, auf der die Pfarrkirche Santa Maria del Sasso steht. Sie wurde vermutlich im 13. Jahrhundert errichtet und 1462 neu aufgebaut. Die veränderte Ausrichtung erfolgte 1758. Der spätromanische Glockenturm wurde im 16. Jahrhundert erhöht. Die Fresken im alten Chor, 1513 entstanden und Domenico Sursnicus zugeschrieben, sind zum Teil hinter der Orgel versteckt und stellen Szenen aus der Leidensgeschichte Jesu dar. Andere Fresken, darunter der wunderbare Fischfang, Heilige und Renaissancedekorationen, gehen auf die Schwelle des 16./17. Jahrhunderts zurück. Giovan Battista Tarilli werden die Bilder aus dem Leben der Heiligen Johannes und Franziskus, die Propheten und Sibyllen zugeschrieben. Die Stukkaturen aus dem Jahre 1591 in der Sakramentskapelle beziehen sich auf die Bruderschaften des 17. Jahrhunderts. Die illustionistischen Malereien in der gegenüberliegenden Kapelle sind im Barockstil gehalten und wurden von Cipriano Pelli aus Aranno gegen 1795 ausgeführt. Der Hauptaltar aus Marmor ist ein Werk aus dem Jahre 1758 und trägt eine Madonnenstatue aus dem 16. Jahrhundert. Die seitlich angebrachten Gemälde hat Davide Antonio Fossati 1799 geschaffen (Epiphanie, Geburt Mariens).

On the outskirts of this old town first mentioned in the 10th century, climb the monumental 400-step staircase to enjoy the rewarding panoramic terrace of the parish church of Santa Maria del Sasso. Although this church probably dates back to the 13th century, it was rebuilt in 1462, and its orientation was also later changed in 1758. It’s belfry of late Roman style was built in the 16th...