Sancarlone (Statue of San Carlo Borromeo)
A colossal 17th-century statue of San Carlo Borromeo, offering a thrilling climb inside with panoramic views of Lake Maggiore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better access
Sancarlone (Statue of San Carlo Borromeo)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal 17th-century statue of San Carlo Borromeo, offering a thrilling climb inside with panoramic views of Lake Maggiore.
"The climb inside is not for the faint-hearted but worth the effort for the views!"
🎯 Check Hours Religiously
Many visitors miss out! Always verify opening times before your visit.
⚠️ Not for the Faint-Hearted
The climb inside is steep and narrow. Avoid if you dislike heights or tight spaces.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ascend the Sancarlone
Inside the statue
Climb through narrow passages and ladders to reach the head of this colossal statue for unique views.
Panoramic Views
From the statue's head
Gaze out over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding landscape from the 'eyes' of San Carlo.
Ground-Level Grandeur
Base of the statue
Admire the sheer scale and intricate details of the statue from the park surrounding it.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
The Climb Within
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Hours Religiously
Many visitors miss out! Always verify opening times before your visit.
⚠️ Not for the Faint-Hearted
The climb inside is steep and narrow. Avoid if you dislike heights or tight spaces.
💰 Parking & Entry Fees
Expect a small fee for parking and a separate charge to climb inside the statue.
🚶 Scenic Walk Up
Enjoy a pleasant walk from Arona town up to the statue.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Hours Religiously
Many visitors miss out! Always verify opening times before your visit.
⚠️ Not for the Faint-Hearted
The climb inside is steep and narrow. Avoid if you dislike heights or tight spaces.
💰 Parking & Entry Fees
Expect a small fee for parking and a separate charge to climb inside the statue.
🚶 Scenic Walk Up
Enjoy a pleasant walk from Arona town up to the statue.
📸 Capture the Scale
Get wide-angle shots from the base to truly show off the statue's immense size.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Sancarlone statue impressive, especially the unique experience of climbing inside. However, inconsistent opening hours and the challenging nature of the interior climb are common drawbacks. The views from the top are a significant highlight for those who make the ascent.
"A very interesting experience to go up to the status and climb up. The climb up could be a bit scary for those who do not like tight space and maybe a bit difficult for some people.
Unfortunately due to safety reason, the head part was closed so I could not look out through its eyes.
Check the opening hours! I had been here 3 times and only able to catch the right timing once."
WWS Alby
"Interesting and unique statue that you can either admire from the ground or climb up and inside! Not for the faint hearted or those that suffer from heights or tight spaces but worth the effort in climbing up the stairs/ladder!"
bunch690
"A nice scenic walk up the hill from Arona. The place has some historic points of interest. Access to the statue and park closed despite google saying open."
Bruce Cameron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sancarlone statue is located in Arona, on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy. You can drive and park nearby (expect a fee), or enjoy a scenic walk up the hill from Arona town.
Yes, there is parking available near the statue, but it typically comes with a fee.
While specific public transport routes directly to the statue might be limited, you can reach Arona by bus or train and then walk or take a local taxi to the site.
Many visitors enjoy the walk up from Arona, which offers lovely views. Driving directly to the site is also an option if you prefer to save time.
The park area around the base of the statue is generally accessible, but the interior climb is not suitable for wheelchairs due to narrow passages and stairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is usually a fee for parking and a separate admission fee to climb inside the statue. Prices can vary, so it's best to check on arrival.
Opening hours can be inconsistent, and many visitors have reported finding it closed unexpectedly. It's crucial to check the official hours before your visit, as they are not always reliable online.
Advance booking is generally not required for Sancarlone, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly, especially during peak season.
Yes, you can admire the statue from the ground and walk around the park area without paying for the interior climb.
Unfortunately, the head part of the statue can sometimes be closed for safety reasons, preventing visitors from looking out through its eyes.
📸 📸 Photography
For impressive shots of the statue's scale, position yourself at the base and use a wide-angle lens. 
Photography is generally permitted inside the statue, but be mindful of the tight spaces and other visitors.
Absolutely! The views from the head of the statue offer a fantastic perspective of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding landscape.
Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more pleasant photography conditions.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the statue's immense size. A tripod might be useful for low-light conditions inside, but check if they are permitted.
🎫 ⛰️ The Climb & Experience
The climb involves navigating narrow staircases and ladders, often described as a bit scary and challenging for those with claustrophobia or fear of heights.
It can be physically demanding due to the tight spaces and ladders. It's an adventure, but not for everyone.
From the head of the statue, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Maggiore, Arona, and the surrounding Italian landscape.
The climb itself, including time spent at the top, can take around 30-60 minutes, depending on crowds and your pace.
The statue of San Carlo Borromeo was built in the 17th century and is a testament to the engineering and artistic capabilities of the time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Adventurous Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The climb inside provides unique interior shots, and the panoramic views from the head are perfect for landscape photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colossus of Arona: Sancarlone
Visitors can admire the Sancarlone from its base in a picturesque park, offering stunning views of Lake Maggiore. However, the true adventure lies in climbing inside the statue. This involves ascending a series of narrow staircases and ladders, a journey that can be both thrilling and challenging. The climb leads to the statue's head, where visitors can peer out through its eyes, enjoying panoramic vistas of the lake and the surrounding Italian landscape.
+1It's important to note that the interior climb is not for the faint-hearted. The confined spaces and steep ascents require a certain level of physical fitness and a lack of claustrophobia or fear of heights. Despite these challenges, many find the experience incredibly rewarding and a unique way to connect with the history and scale of this remarkable monument.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Fees, and What to Expect
When you do visit, expect to pay for both parking and entry into the statue itself. While the exact fees can fluctuate, they are generally considered reasonable for the experience offered.
For those who are able to make the ascent, the experience is often described as memorable. The climb is an adventure in itself, and the views from the top are a significant highlight.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be navigating stairs and ladders. The park also provides a pleasant area for a stroll, offering different perspectives of the colossal figure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit