Tradition has it that Friar Bartolomeo of Ivrea, a Franciscan monk from the monastery of Locarno, decided to build a place of devotion on the “Sasso” or rock of Locarno, after having a vision in 1480.

He proceeded to build two small chapels. These were later extended and a monastery added. Various chapels were planned and constructed along the path from Locarno to the “Sasso”. Various terracotta groups remain from these, attributed to Francesco Silva and depicting the Last Supper and the Pentecost.

The Deposition, a large group of wooden statues from the 15th century, is probably the work of Lombard sculptors. The church was completely refurbished and transformed in 1902. It contains 17th century stuccos and frescoes by Alessandro Gorla. The main altar, dating from 1792, bears a miraculous image of the Virgin (1480). The southern nave houses an altar piece by Bramantino (1520) depicting the flight from Egypt, while the third chapel contains an altar piece by Antonio Ciseri (1870) depicting the Deposition. A large collection of vows and memorial plaques covers the walls of the church and the sanctuary.

Booking:
Optional
Guide tour on request

Access:
All the year.

The Sanctuary is temporarily closed, until March 2012.