Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo
One of the places of interest of Lake Maggiore that you can not miss a visit is definitely the Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo of Arona, also known as "San Carlone".
At a height of 35 metres, this statue is one of the symbols of the Piedmont coast of Lake Maggiore, a work of great historical and cultural value.
Completed in 1698, it was erected in honor of Carlo Borromeo, one of the most beloved archbishops of Milan who worked hard in the material and spiritual assistance of a Milanese people at that time plagued by famine and plague. He lived a life of prayer and devotion, which is why, just 26 years after his death, he was canonized in 1610.
The statue was commissioned by his cousin Federico Borromeo, who later took over as archbishop of Milan. He wanted Arona, the birthplace of Saint Carlo, to have a "Sacred Mountain" in a dominant position on Lake Maggiore, on whose top was erected an imposing statue able to celebrate its exceptional greatness.
San Carlo is represented standing in a simple dress with a spool and cape: he shakes a book in his left hand while his right hand is destined for blessing. It is the work of the local architects and sculptors who created the colossus made of hammered copper plates joined by nails and iron rods. The frame consists of blocks of Angera stone that reach the shoulders of the Saint. It is unique to recall that this construction technique served as inspiration for the engineers of the Statue of Liberty, symbol of the New York metropolis.
The figure of the Saint is 23.40 m high and rests on a granite pedestal of 11.70 m, thus reaching the overall height of 35.10 m: it was for about two centuries the highest statue in the world, but still remains, among the statues that can be visited inside, second only to the Statue of Liberty.
At present the statue is situated just outside the centre of Arona, in a small botanical park where there are illustrated panels that tell the story of the saint. Picnic areas can be found in the park, shaded by centuries-old trees. In front of the park there is a large car park, partly free and partly for a fee, while behind Lake Maggiore there is the Church of San Carlo built in 1614; inside the Church there is a chapel dedicated to the birth of the Saint, which occurred in 1538, in one of the rooms of the Rocca di Arona, where the Borromeo family lived at that time.
Entrance to the statue and the park is subject to charges.
At the ticket office it is possible to buy two different tickets: at 3,50 € you can access only up to the granite pedestal that serves as a panoramic terrace around the foot of the Saint; the terrace, equipped with panoramic telescopes, offers a marvellous view on Lake Maggiore and the Rocca di Angera. At the cost of 6 € it is possible, however, to climb internally to the top of the statue: a truly unmissable experience: through some spiral steps and then a steep seafaring staircase with protection, you climb up to the head, while observing the internal structure. From there, you can look out through a few holes corresponding to the Saint's eyes, nostrils and ears. Additional windows open at shoulder level allowing you to look outside and enjoy the remarkable surrounding landscape.
The steep climb and narrow space put pressure on tourists who suffer from claustrophobia, but the view from above is really worth the effort. Make a small effort to arrive at the top, you will be pleased! If you are brave you can also kneel exactly in the chin of the Saint and scrutinize what is observed by the holes present: your legs will tremble a bit, try to believe!