A Visit to Locarno and the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso

This destination guide covers the sights of the picturesque city of Locarno in Switzerland, including a visit to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso.

Locarno visit

After a scenic train trip across the Gotthard from Lucerne, I had finally arrived in Locarno, the next destination on my travels through Switzerland.

Locarno is one of the main cities in the Italian-speaking Swiss Canton of Ticino, famed for its prestigious Locarno International Film Festival, which takes place annually in the city and involves open-air screenings in the main square.

Locarno is also a popular stop on the Swiss tourist trail, and many people travel to the city each year to admire its picturesque setting on Lake Maggiore or to visit sights such as the hilltop Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso.

Upon my arrival in the evening, I went straight to sleep at my accommodation, a simple but clean single room with balcony and a shared bathroom above a local restaurant called Osteria Pozzo, for which I paid 72 Swiss francs (€76 — yes, accommodation in Switzerland is expensive).

After a good night’s sleep, I woke up well-rested and ready to explore the sights of Locarno.

interregio train gotthard bellinzona lucerne locarno
I had arrived in Ticino by taking a train across the Gotthard. ©Paliparan
Locarno walk
Walking to my hotel from Locarno’s railway station. ©Paliparan
osteria pozzo
Osteria Pozzo, a local wine bar and restaurant. ©Paliparan
osteria pozzo room
My basic single room at Osteria Pozzo. ©Paliparan
locarno city centre square night view
The view from my room, overlooking one of the squares in the city centre of Locarno, was quite impressive. ©Paliparan

A morning walk through the old town

Although I only had half a day to explore Locarno, I was eager to fully absorb the Italianesque atmosphere in this southern corner of Switzerland.

I was happy to see that after the rather mixed weather during my previous days travelling around Switzerland, there were gorgeous blue skies over Locarno this morning, with the sun shining brightly.

As my accommodation was located on Piazza Sant’Antonio in the heart of the city centre, all I needed to do was walk out the front door to begin my tour of Locarno, starting at the Parish Church of Saint Anthony Abbot (Parrocchia Cattolica Sant’Antonio Abate) at the opposite end of the square.

Construction of the Parish Church of Sant’Antonio Abate began in 1664, and it was consecrated in 1692, although the clock tower was only added later during the mid-18th century.

From the square, I walked into one of the narrow pedestrianised streets of Locarno’s old town, which were still mostly empty at this early hour of the morning.

Although Locarno’s old town isn’t large, it does have a few charming streets that feel more Italian than Swiss in character.

Also the palm trees in some of the streets and gardens clearly indicated that I was now firmly south of the Alps in Italian-speaking Switzerland, rather than in the German-speaking part where I had spent the previous day.

piazza Sant' Antonio locarno
View over Piazza Sant’Antonio and the Parish Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. ©Paliparan
Piazza Sant'Antonio
Buildings on Piazza Sant’Antonio. ©Paliparan
old town street
Old town street. ©Paliparan
locarno old town street
In the early morning hours, the old town streets of Locarno were still empty. ©Paliparan
palm trees switzerland
Palm trees lining a street in the old town. ©Paliparan

Saint Francis Church

Another important church in Locarno is the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi (Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi), which dates back to 1316.

However, the current church building, with its Romanesque façade, dates back to 1583.

Adjacent to the church is a former convent of the Friars Minor, which is now used as a teachers’ college.

In the immediate surroundings, you can also find a monument dedicated to Giovanni Battista Pioda, a 19th-century Swiss politician and member of the Swiss Federal Council, who was born in Locarno.

locarno church tower
Walking towards the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. ©Paliparan
Giovanni Battista Pioda monument
Monument dedicated to Giovanni Battista Pioda. ©Paliparan
Chiesa San Francesco Church of St. Francis Locarno
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. ©Paliparan
St. Francis' Church
Inside Saint Francis’ Church. ©Paliparan

Museo Casorella

Near the Church of Saint Francis, you can find two other Locarno sights: The Museo Casorella and Visconti Castle.

Housed in a 16th-century mansion, Museo Casorella serves as Locarno’s local art museum.

The art museum features three permanent exhibits: a collection of works made or donated by Jean Arp and his wife Marguerite, paintings by Locarno’s most famous artist, Filippo Franzoni, and a sculpture park showcasing works by Max Bill.

Museo Casorella Locarno
Museo Casorella. ©Paliparan

Visconti Castle and the Locarno Treaties

Right next to Museo Casorella is the Visconti Castle (Castello Visconteo), which dates back to the 14th century.

Much of the castle’s fortifications were destroyed after Ticino was annexed by the Swiss Confederation in the early 16th century.

Only the central part of the castle and one of its towers survived, which were used as a governor’s office and district court.

Between 1921 and 1928, Visconti Castle underwent extensive renovations, after which it has been used as the city’s archaeological museum.

In Visconti Castle, you can also find an exhibition about the Locarno Treaties, which were negotiated following a peace conference held in the city in October 1925 (though they were formally signed two months later in London).

The Rhineland Pact, signed by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Italy, was the was the most important of the Locarno Treaties.

This pact was intended to normalise relations following World War I and to secure a permanent post-war territorial settlement in Western Europe.

Germany formally recognised its new western borders as established by the Treaty of Versailles and renounced the use of force to alter them, while Germany, France, and Belgium all promised not to attack each other, with the UK and Italy acting as guarantors.

As a result of the Rhineland Pact, the occupation of the Rhineland by Allied forces would end in 1930, a full five years earlier than previously agreed at Versailles.

However, regarding its eastern borders, Germany only agreed to arbitration with Czechoslovakia and Poland, and while France promised military aid to these two Central European states in the event of an unprovoked attack by Germany, the UK did not offer any guarantees.

In what was called the “spirit of Locarno”, the treaties generated some new sense of optimism in Europe, although these hopes for a permanent peace were quickly dashed when Hitler came to power in Germany and remilitarised the Rhineland in 1936, denouncing the Locarno Treaties.

cobblestone street
Cobblestone street around Visconti Castle. ©Paliparan
Visconti Castle
Visconti Castle. ©Paliparan
locarno visconti castle
The only remaining tower of Visconti Castle. ©Paliparan

Piazza Grande

One of the most picturesque spots in Locarno is Piazza Grande, the lively main square that forms the heart of the old town.

This large public square is lined with some of Locarno’s most beautiful historic buildings, many featuring Lombard-style porticoes, arcades, and painted façades in soft pastel colours.

Piazza Grande is a beloved meeting place for the locals and also hosts many of Locarno’s major events, such as the Locarno International Film Festival, usually held in early August, and Winterland, a Christmas market featuring an ice skating rink and ice slide, typically held from mid-November to the beginning of January.

Every Thursday, a market takes place on this Locarno square, with stalls selling fruit and vegetables, local delicacies, clothes, and much more.

When I visited the square in the early morning, most of the local salesmen and women were still in the process of setting up their stalls for the day.

piazza grande locarno
Piazza Grande. ©Paliparan
piazza grande locarno building
Beautiful old buildings lining Piazza Grande. ©Paliparan
market stalls
Market stalls. ©Paliparan
locarno piazza grande market
Market on Piazza Grande. ©Paliparan
piazza grande market
When I visited the square, most vendors were still setting up their market stalls. ©Paliparan
piazza grande locarno
Piazza Grande. ©Paliparan

Walking to the lake

After my visit to Locarno’s weekly market on Piazza Grande, I strolled through some of the old town’s side streets radiating from the square.

There are many more fine buildings and shopping arcades to admire, but as the old town isn’t large, it won’t take long to walk through every street.

I therefore left the old town and walked towards the waterfront, passing the local casino and theatre in what clearly felt like a more modern part of the city.

city centre houses
Houses in the city centre. ©Paliparan
shopping arcade locarno
Shopping arcade. ©Paliparan
locarno walk
Walking from the city centre to the lake. ©Paliparan
locarno city centre
Modern houses and flats in the city centre of Locarno. ©Paliparan
locarno theatre casino
Locarno theatre and casino. ©Paliparan
lakeside lago maggiore
The Lago Maggiore lakeside. ©Paliparan

Locarno lakeside promenade

One of Locarno’s primary attractions is its gorgeous setting on Lago Maggiore, and the contrast of the blue waters of the lake with the backdrop of green forested mountains is certainly stunning.

Located on the southern side of the Alps, Ticino’s climate is certainly warmer than in the rest of Switzerland, and you’ll immediately notice this when comparing the Locarno lakeside with other major lakes in the country to the north of the Alps, such as Lake Geneva or Lake Zurich.

Locarno has an inviting lakeside promenade hugging the shore of Lago Maggiore, and in sunny weather, it is an excellent place for a stroll or to sit on a bench and relax for a while while taking in the views.

There are also a few jetties from which you can catch a tourist excursion boat or a regular ferry service to destinations across Lake Maggiore.

Navigazione Lago Maggiore operates a ferry service across Lake Maggiore from Locarno to Ascona, Isole di Brissago, Stresa, Arona, and many other destinations around the lake in both Switzerland and Italy, although you may have to change boats midway.

lakeside promenade locarno
Lakeside promenade. ©Paliparan
locarno lake maggiore
Locarno has a picturesque location on Lake Maggiore. ©Paliparan
locarno lago maggiore lake ferry boat
At the jetties on the lakeshore you can catch both tourist excursion boats and regular ferry services. ©Paliparan
lago maggiore jetty lake pier locarno
Lago Maggiore jetty. ©Paliparan

Madonna del Sasso funicular

The most famous of Locarno’s sights is the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, perched on a mountaintop high above the city.

The easiest way reach the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso is by taking the funicular up the mountain.

From both Piazza Grande and the lakeside promenade, the lower station of the Madonna del Sasso funicular is just a short walk away.

In the summer season (April to October) there is a funicular departing every 15 minutes, while in the winter season (November to March) it only departs every 30 minutes.

The adult fare for the Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular is 5.40 CHF (€5.70) for a one-way ticket or 8 CHF (€8.44) for a return ticket, while children aged 6 to 16 pay 2.40 CHF (€2.53) and 4 CHF (€4.22), respectively.

If you have a Ticino ticket, you receive a 20% discount on the funicular, while a Swiss Travel Pass entitles you to a 25% discount (on round trips only).

It’s a fun ride up on the single-track funicular, which has a passing loop halfway up the incline where the downhill funicular passes the car making the uphill journey.

The Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular was built in 1906 and takes you from the bottom station at an altitude of 205.8 metres above sea level to the upper station, which is 172.5 metres higher up the mountain.

The length of the track is 813 metres, and the maximum gradient of the funicular is 30%.

Make sure to stand at the front of the funicular for great views towards the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso and the track ahead, or at the rear if you prefer to look back over the track and enjoy the views of Locarno and Lake Maggiore.

locarno Madonna del Sasso funicular city centre station
The city centre station of the Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular. ©Paliparan
funicular
View inside the funicular cab. ©Paliparan
Madonna del Sasso funicular
Inside the Madonna del Sasso funicular. ©Paliparan
madonna del sasso funicular locarno
The funicular climbs up the mountain from the city centre to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso. ©Paliparan
sanctuary funicular
If you stand at the front of the funicular, you will have great views of the sanctuary and the ride across the steep mountainside. ©Paliparan
madonna del sasso funicular upper station
Approaching the upper station of the Madonna del Sasso funicular. ©Paliparan
madonna del sasso funicular locarno
The upper station of the Madonna del Sasso funicular. ©Paliparan
madonna del sasso funicular locarno
View over the funicular, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, and Lago Maggiore. ©Paliparan

Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso

Once you exit the funicular at the upper station you will find yourself in Orselina, a small municipality which is part of the Locarno district.

From the upper funicular station, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso is just a short walk away, although before starting your visit, you will want to stop to take in the lovely views of this picturesque shrine along with the city of Locarno and Lake Maggiore down the mountain.

As you exit the upper funicular station, walk a few dozen metres to your left along the main road to reach the viewpoint with the best views over Madonna del Sasso and Locarno.

madonna del sasso locarno switzerland
View over the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso and the town of Locarno. ©Paliparan

Visiting Madonna del Sasso

The Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso is not only one of Locarno’s most important historical and religious sights, but even of the entire Ticino.

In 1480, in the mountains high above Locarno on the evening preceding the Feast of the Assumption, Franciscan friar Bartolomeo de Ivrea received a vision in which the Virgin Mary appeared before him.

A few years later, in 1487, it was decided to found a sanctuary at the site of the Marian apparition.

The Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso is free to visit, and the path to this Catholic shrine starts immediately across the road from the upper funicular station.

Note that there are some stairs involved in reaching the sanctuary, although stairlifts are available for visitors with physical limitations (contact the sanctuary in advance to arrange their use).

madonna del sasso locarno
The Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso is a short walk away from the upper funicular station. ©Paliparan
sanctuary madonna del sasso locarno
Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso seen from up close. ©Paliparan
sanctuary church
Walking towards the sanctuary entrance. ©Paliparan
sanctuary complex
Inside the sanctuary complex. ©Paliparan
last supper
Depiction of the Last Supper inside the Sanctuary. ©Paliparan
arcade sanctuary madonna del sasso
Some of the arcades and façades are beautifully painted. ©Paliparan
sanctuary madonna del sasso locarno
Walking through the sanctuary complex towards the main Marian shrine. ©Paliparan
sanctuary of madonna del sasso locarno
After a short walk through the complex, you reach the main part of the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso where you will find the Marian shrine. ©Paliparan

Marian shrine

The complex of Madonna del Sasso consists not only of the sanctuary itself but also of a convent, a church, several chapels, and the Stations of the Cross.

At the heart of the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso is a shrine with an image of the Virgin Mary, which received a pontifical decree of coronation from Pope Leo XIII in 1880, exactly 400 years after the Marian apparition.

Don’t forget to walk through the cloister of the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, as you can enjoy sweeping views over Locarno and Lake Maggiore from here.

sanctuary madonna del sasso shrine virgin mary
The main shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary at the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso. ©Paliparan
exterior paintings shrine madonna del sasso
Wonderful paintings on the exterior of the shrine. ©Paliparan
portico madonna del sasso
Portico of the Madonna del Sasso shrine. ©Paliparan
sanctuary madonna del sasso locarno marian shrine
The Marian Shrine at the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso. ©Paliparan
madonna del sasso
Canonically crowned image of the Madonna del Sasso. ©Paliparan
shrine interior madonna del sasso
Shrine interior. ©Paliparan
shrine ceiling madonna del sasso
The shrine has a richly decorated ceiling. ©Paliparan
sanctuary madonna del sasso view locarno lake maggiore
View from the shrine at the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso over Locarno and Lake Maggiore. ©Paliparan
lago maggiore locarno
Wonderful view over Locarno and Lago Maggiore. ©Paliparan

Down the mountain

After my visit to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, I exited the complex and sat down at the terrace of a restaurant along the main road for a drink, allowing myself to take in the lovely views over Locarno for a bit longer.

When you find yourself in Orselina, you can take a cable car that takes you even higher into the mountains, although I decided to head back down with the funicular.

sanctuary exit madonna del sasso
Exiting the sanctuary. ©Paliparan
locarno sanctuary madonna del sasso view
I relaxed for a while at a terrace so I could fully take in the fine views over the sanctuary and Locarno. ©Paliparan
madonna del sasso locarno
One last view of the picturesque sanctuary. ©Paliparan
funicular madonna del sasso locarno
After my visit of the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, I again took the funicular back down to Locarno. ©Paliparan
funicular tunnel
Funicular heading down a tunnel. ©Paliparan
funicular passing loop
At the funicular passing loop, waiting for the uphill funicular to pass us. ©Paliparan
Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular
Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular. ©Paliparan

Centovalli Railway

Another of Locarno’s sights isn’t actually located in the city itself but will take you out of it.

I’m talking, of course, about the Centovalli Railway that connects Locarno with Domodossola, which is just across the border in Italy.

The Centovalli Railway, regarded as one of the most scenic train rides in all of Switzerland, takes you through the stunning Centovalli (which literally means ‘hundred valleys’) region west of Locarno.

In the next chapter of this trip report, I’ll take a train across the scenic Centovalli Railway line, so stay tuned for that!

locarno station area
Neighbourhood around Locarno’s train station. ©Paliparan
locarno train station
Locarno train and bus station. ©Paliparan
centovalli locarno station entrance
Trains on the Centovalli line towards Domodossola depart from an underground platform right next to Locarno’s main station. ©Paliparan

Conclusion

Locarno, located in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, is a highly picturesque city on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

There are several sights to visit in Locarno, such as Visconti Castle and Museo Casorella, although much of the city’s charm lies in strolling around beautiful Piazza Grande, the old town streets, or along the lakeside promenade.

Of all Locarno’s sights, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso is a must-visit.

You can reach this Catholic shrine perched high on a mountain by taking the funicular from Locarno’s city centre to Orselina, from where the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso is just a short walk away.

Taking a boat ride across Lake Maggiore or hopping on a train along the scenic Centovalli Railway are also must-do activities if you find yourself in Locarno.

Trip report index

This article is part of the ‘Scenic Trains Around Switzerland and the Italian Lakes‘ trip report, which consists of the following chapters:

1. Bergamo: A Visit to Lombardy’s Beautiful Hilltop Town
2. Travelling From Bergamo to Milan by Train
3. From Milan to Varenna and Tirano By Trenord Regional Train
4. A Varenna Visit: A Day Trip to Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Town
5. Tirano: The Italian Gateway to the Bernina Railway
6. Bernina Express Train: Guide to Switzerland’s Most Scenic Railway
7. Review: Swiss InterCity (IC) Train Chur to Zurich and Basel
8. From Zurich to Geneva on a Swiss ICN Tilting Train
9. Cheap Geneva Hotel: Stay Across the Border in Annemasse!
10. Around Lake Geneva by Train: From Geneva to Montreux
11. A Visit to Montreux and the Freddie Mercury Statue
12. Golden Pass: Guide to a Scenic Railway Route Across Switzerland
13. Swiss Chique: The MOB GoldenPass Belle Époque Train
14. From the Mountains to the Lake: Zweisimmen to Spiez by Train
15. Spectacular Spiez: A Visit to a Scenic Swiss Town
16. Spiez to Interlaken by Train: A Trip on the Lake Thun Railway Line
17. Review: Interlaken to Lucerne by Zentralbahn Train
18. Lucerne: Exploring One of Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Cities
19. From Lucerne to Locarno: By Train Across the Gotthard
20. A Visit to Locarno and the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso (current chapter)

** rest of the chapters to follow soon **

Avatar photo

Koen

Koen works as a freelance journalist covering south-eastern Europe and is the founding father and editor-in-chief of Paliparan. As a contributor to some major Fleet Street newspapers and some lesser known publications in the Balkans, he travels thousands of miles each year for work as well as on his personal holidays. Whether it is horse riding in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan mountains, exploring the backstreets of Bogotá, or sipping a glass of moschofilero in a Greek beachside taverna, Koen loves to immerse himself into the local culture, explore new places and eat and drink himself around the world.

If you enjoyed this travel article and found the information provided useful, please consider supporting us. Although we gladly share all information for free at Paliparan.com, a one-time donation is a great way to help out an independent publisher! You can support Paliparan by buying us a coffee for €5, or by making a donation through PayPal. Thank you for your support!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.