Santa Caterina del Sasso or St Catherine's Hermitage, one of the jewels of Lake Maggiore, is perched just above the water. It is found on the eastern shore of the lake just south of Laveno, clinging to the cliffs of Sasso Ballaro.

In the 12th century Alberto Besozzi, a wealthy merchant, almost lost his life in a storm as his boat capsized. He prayed to Saint Catherine of Alessandria to save him when a wave deposited him on a ledge. He the dedicated the rest of his life to the saint, living in in a cave as a hermit while the locals lowered food and water to him in a basket.

The hermitage was founded in the 13th century. It is notable not only for its position but also its decaying frescoes dating from its foundation. www.selfcateringitaly.co.uk - Self catering apartments Lake Maggiore