If you think of famous statues all over the world, you may have in mind the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. They are well-known symbols and have a tourist importance. Also Arona, and in general Lago Maggiore, has its own monumental statue.
So, if you are looking for houses for sale in Arona, then we suggest you spend one afternoon visiting the extraordinary San Carlone statue. Its magnificence is described first by its dimension: it’s 35 m high (like a ten-storey building). The granite base is 11.70 m high, whereas the actual statue reaches 23.40 m. The length of its hand is 1.95 m and the breviary is really impressive, having a height of 4.20 m.
These great numbers have won San Carlone the honour to have been the highest statue in the world for over two centuries. Even Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, father to the Tour Eiffel, visited Arona with the aim of studying the structure of this statue. And even the Statue of Liberty was built on the model of the San Carlone, as it is written on the plaque at its foot.
It has an ancient story and its actual name is the statue of San Carlo, but the people living in the area call it friendly San Carlone. It has been built on a hill above Arona, at a height of 310 m, which makes it perfectly visible. It is a symbol, built to celebrate the canonisation of San Carlo Borromeo, who was born in Arona. The project was carried out by Giovan Battista Crespi, also known as “Il Cerano”, whereas Siro Zanella and Bernardo Falconi were the two sculptors who finished this huge work in 1698.
The statue can still be visited inside, thanks to its hollow structure, which is made of stone, bricks and iron. The exterior consists in copper plates held together by spikes and tie-rods. From its pedestal you can reach the terrace thanks to two spiral staircases. Then, a third spiral staircase leads you to the top of the statue.
When you reach the top, you can admire the beautiful landscape through the holes in its head, corresponding to the eyes and nostrils of the Saint and those on its back. From this height you can not only admire the Lake but also dream of your next villa Lago Maggiore.
Arona is a real pearl on Lago Maggiore, the perfect place to live. If you are looking for houses for sale in Arona or villas overlooking the Lake, then just come and visit us. Our properties will satisfy all your needs.
Lun - Ven 9/13 - 14/18 Sab 9/13 Domenica - Su appuntamento
Mon - Fri 9/13 - 14/18 Sat 9/13 Sunday - On appointment
Mo - Fr 9/13 - 14/18 Sa 9/13 Sonntag - Nach Vereinbarung