From July 2nd, 2026, the “Sere d’Estate al Sancarlone” (Summer Evenings at the Sancarlone) return, the calendar of evening events curated by Archeologistics, at the Statue of San Carlo Borromeo in Arona, one of the most iconic symbols of the Lake Maggiore area.
The initiative proposes an evocative experience that combines culture, history, music, and convivial moments, offering the public the opportunity to experience pleasant moments at the colossus in an unprecedented guise, immersed in the sunset light and in the panoramic setting of the lake.
These are openings beyond normal visiting hours, after 6:30 PM, to enjoy cooler temperatures, admire the view with a little breeze from the terrace, and at the same time learn about the history of this statue that has dominated the city of Arona and Lake Maggiore since 1698.
Each appointment includes a guided tour to retrace the stages of the life of San Carlo and the design and construction of the colossal work, to discover some curiosities and the link with the Statue of Liberty in New York, and to immerse oneself in the artistic and religious meaning of the Sancarlone.
During the visits, it will also be possible to live the somewhat adrenaline-filled experience of climbing inside the statue up to the saint’s head along the famous sailor’s ladder: a unique opportunity to see the internal structure and appreciate the craftsmanship of the copper plates from within.
The evening openings are enriched by special moments: concerts and cocktails at the nearby and suggestive Terrazza Paradiso will make these evening moments even more evocative.
PROGRAM
Thursday, July 2nd
Guided tour and cocktail at the Terrazza Paradiso
The review opens with an evening dedicated to culture and conviviality. Before or after the guided tour, participants can experience a moment of relaxation with a cocktail at the Terrazza Paradiso, enjoying the lake view and the summer atmosphere that characterizes the Sancarlone in the evening hours. Two shifts are scheduled: one at 6:30 PM (cocktail first, followed by the guided tour) and one at 8:00 PM (guided tour first, followed by the cocktail).
Thursday, July 9th
Guided tour and concert
An evening dedicated to the meeting between historical heritage and music. The guided tour will accompany participants to discover the figure of San Carlo Borromeo and the extraordinary creation of the monument. Afterwards, a classical music concert in the church of San Carlo will offer a unique experience, in which music dialogues with the beauty of the place and the quiet of the evening. The repertoire ranges from Handel to Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Bizet, with arrangements designed to enhance the different tonal combinations of the Echo Vox Ensemble, offering the public an engaging and original musical experience.
Thursday, July 16th
Evening guided tour
An appointment entirely dedicated to the historical and artistic in-depth study of the Sancarlone. The guided tour will allow visitors to get to know the history of the statue, the construction techniques, and its symbolic meaning, in an evening context that enhances its charm and monumentality.
Thursday, August 13th
Guided tour and cocktail at the Terrazza Paradiso
In the heart of summer, the formula combining culture and conviviality returns. Before or after the guided tour, participants can experience a moment of relaxation with a cocktail at the Terrazza Paradiso, enjoying the lake view and the summer atmosphere that characterizes the Sancarlone in the evening hours. Two shifts are scheduled: one at 6:30 PM (cocktail first, followed by the guided tour) and one at 8:00 PM (guided tour first, followed by the cocktail).
Saturday, August 29th
Guided tour and concert
Closing the review will be a special evening accompanied by the music of the Anomala Brass Band. The guided tour will introduce the public to the discovery of the monument and its history, while the musical performance will help create a festive and engaging atmosphere.
INFO AND CONTACTS
Website: www.statuasancarlo.it
Email: statuasancarlo@ambrosiana.it
Telephone: 328 83772063 / 0322 249669
Tickets: https://www.archeologistics.it/servizi-educativi/sere-destate-al-sancarlone-672.html