THE STATUE

AND THE TOWN OF ARONA

The statue of Saint Charles was built in Arona,

his birth town, after his canonization and

to honour his importance as archbishop

of Milan: for about two centuries it was the

tallest statue in the world.

In Arona many other monuments refer

to this saint’s life: the ruins of the Rocca (fortress)

where he was born; the church

Collegiata di Santa Maria Nascente

where he was baptized;

the Church of the Saint Martyrs where he

celebrated his last mass before dieing of a

high temperature on 3rd November, 1584.

A GLIMPSE

INSIDE THE STATUE

One can climb inside the statue

(the so-called Sancarlone)

and this is an unforgettable experience.

The statue is about 35 metres tall.

Visitors can climb a winding staircase

and a steep ladder to reach the head of the saint,

in the meantime experiencing

the internal structure.

From the head it is possible to look out through

some holes in the saint’s eyes, ears, nose.

More windows open on his shoulders,

allowing the people to admire

the surrounding breathtaking view.

THE GARDEN

AND THE CHURCH

All visitors who buy an entrance ticket

can also visit the garden around the statue.

Tickets have two different prices: to the garden

and the terrace or to the top of the statue.

Using the telescopes on the terrace,

you can look at the view on Lago Maggiore

and on the Rocca of Angera.

In the garden, you can have a picnic on the

tables under the shadow of century-old trees.

Groups can book their place

to eat a packed lunch.

One can also book the church

for the celebration of a Mass.

Before your visit,

please read the complete access rules published on the 

“opening times an tickets” page.