“Sancarlone”! The locals call it that, you know. A giant statue of San Carlo Borromeo, towering over this quaint town of Arona on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Standing here, right in front of him, you can’t help but feel awestruck by his majestic presence.
This is no ordinary statue. Completed in 1698, it was erected in honor of Carlo Borromeo, a beloved archbishop of Milan, who dedicated his life to helping the people. He worked hard to provide for the people of Milan during a time of plague and famine. His cousin, Federico Borromeo, commissioned this colossal tribute to celebrate the saint’s extraordinary devotion.
This statue is a marvel of engineering. It stands 35 meters tall, making it one of the largest statues in the world, second only to the Statue of Liberty! It is believed that the engineer behind the Statue of Liberty visited this very statue for inspiration. Imagine that! This monumental work was crafted with hammered copper plates, meticulously joined together with nails and iron rods.
Now, imagine yourself climbing up inside the statue. You can actually do that! You can climb through spiral staircases and up narrow passageways, reaching the very head of the statue. You can even look out through holes that correspond to the saint’s eyes, nostrils, and ears! It’s a breathtaking experience, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the sparkling waters of the lake.
Leave the bustling town behind. Step back in time and stand face to face with this testament to faith, devotion, and human ingenuity. The San Carlo Borromeo Statue is more than just a monument; it is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit.