statue of san carlone

dalida77

good on a nice sunshine day, quite big to see from the street...if you pay a small fee you can go on the top of it but there are no elevators so ..be prepared for many stairs! The view from upstairs is nice. I don't rememeber anything to eat exactly there, so if you have children, you better bring something with you .

Veni_bibi_edi

This statue is indeed a colossus and it is difficult to realise how old it is. We were there on a day when it was closed but one can go up an outdoor spiral staircase at the back to get to the top of the plinth and then 85 steps up a ladder to a point where you can look out through the statue's eye.Even from ground level there are good views to be had. there are at least two restaurants and bars nearby if you want a drink and/or a meal.

PDanielBS

The story of San Carlo and his family is an interesting piece of local Lago Maggiore History and legend. The view from the statue is amazing. The church across the street is small but interesting also.

Coellum

This colossal statue would probably not have met the approval of St. Charles himself. He was a simple man even if he was of the nobility. As a cardinal, he did his best to care for his people and to institute reforms in the Catholic Church. The statue is quite amazing because of its size. The architect of the Statue of Liberty spent some time in Arona to study the St. Charles statue. The Statue of Liberty has the same construction.We climbed up to the foot of the statue. In order to reach this , one climbs a spiral staircase that is about 5 stories high. No elevators here. The view of Lake Maggiore was fantastic at this height. Although we did not do so, it is possible to climb inside the statue up to the eyes.

aliceb228

Go see this masterpiece and learn about this great Saint. There is a church next to the statue and a small museum which tells about his important contributions as a reformer of the Church during troubled sixteenth century times. St Charles Along with St Ignatius of Loyola, St Philip Neri and others, fought against Protestant Reformation inroads. One of his most significant achievements was the founding of seminaries to educate priests. His feast day is 04 November...the surrounding views are breathtaking ...

popotnik2014

This is 35m high statue. In the middle of which is hollow and has a step up to the head. You can go to the beginning of the statue where is viewing platform ( where is very nice view, you can see Lago Maggiore and castle) or to the top of the head, but from the viewing platform to the head are not steps but ladder and you can look throw the Carlos eyes and nose.

Pinkertonx

If you have a bit of time you can climb the internal stairs to the viewing platform and look at the view of the lake.

AZterritory1912

Worth a walk to see if you are out and about. It's a very walkable town with good views. Not exactly a 'must see', but if you're out doing a hike by the lake, shopping or heading to a restaurant it's a piece of history that adds to the visit.

Ste

It can be challenging to climb to the top, but it is well worth your effort, if not too hot outside. Beautiful views of Lake Maggiore!!

hectortravelling

Nice to see, it has deep roots in the history of Lombardia and into the religious soul of this area of Italy. But the ticket is too expensive.

opossumd

The Colossus stands 35 metres high including the pedestal. You climb inside it via a spiral staircase with 60 steps first, then a steel ladder with 85 rungs to reach St. Charles' s head, through whose eyes you gaze dizzingly down below. Beside the eyes, there are openings through the nostrils as well, and a couple of larger windows cut in the cowl at the rear of the statue, looking over the fabulous lake. It can become claustrophobic inside, given the narrowness of the passage, but it is well-worth the experience

1919

Although the views from the terrace of the statue are excellent it is a shame that if you have a head for heights you dont find the time to climb the 85 steps up to inside his head! The views are good but the real pleasure is from knowing that you have done it! The statue dominates the area and from wherever you can spot it afterwards you are secure in the knowledge that you have climbed to the top!Go on you know you want to!

LadyDianaIsabella

This was a fitting tribute to a much loved man. Its huge and although we didnt have time to go inside is still looked very imposing from the outside and in the lovely church opposite, there was a small area depicting his life which I found very interesting. Lovely spot and deserves a visit.

786MauricioA

Very nice and also the great view. It seems that we were dominating the entire Lake Area. The view of the Rocca of Angera is wonderful.

DavidFox

Staying at the Hotel San Carlo we could not miss the statue. It is FAR bigger than we expected and he must be one happy statue overlooking the lake