Santa Caterina Del Sasso

Santa Caterina was originally a hermitage, which was converted into a monastery by the Domenicans in the 13th century.

This place of pilgrimage, like many former hermitages, was built on a rock in a place that is difficult to access.

Because of the extreme slope, the monastery was in danger of falling apart in the 20th century, and restoration of the entire complex began in 1970. 

In the course of the extensive restoration work, the entire foundation and foundation walls were secured with steel cables. These were anchored deep in the mountain so that dangerous and threatening ground shifts would not occur again.

The interior of the church is nestled against the mountain.  It is richly frescoed, but unfortunately time and humidity have destroyed a considerable part of the paintings.

In the center of the church is the sarcophagus of the founder, the hermit Alberto.

In the courtyard that separates the church from the convent building, there is an old wine press from 1769.

Now it's time to say goodbye and take the boat back to Verbania.

We look a bit funny, as in Italy masks are still mandatory for public transportation.