Guided visits inside the Sancarlone in Arona: climb the statue and view

Guided visits inside the Sancarlone: a monumental experience

The Sancarlone, the towering statue of Saint Charles Borromeo in Arona, offers guided tours that allow visitors to climb internal stairs and reach the head of the giant for views over Lake Maggiore. The tours combine history, construction techniques and landscape in a single, memorable visit.

About the monument

Dating to the 17th century and standing over 35 metres tall, the statue features a hollow structure that permits internal access. It is a notable example of monumental engineering and a longstanding symbol in the lake’s landscape.

Visit details

Tour dates (May 2026):

• 1 May 2026 – 10:00 and 17:00
• 10 May 2026 – 17:00
• 31 May 2026 – 14:00

Duration: about 1.5 hours, including access inside the statue.

Meeting point: Piazzale San Carlo, Arona (NO).

Tickets: Full €13; Reduced (6–16 years) €8; €5 for people with disabilities and accompanying person, and holders of the Piemonte Museums Pass.

Booking: reservation is required. Tours are run by Archeologistics on behalf of the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana; book in advance as spaces are limited.

Why attend

Climbing inside the Sancarlone offers an unusual perspective on the area and a chance to learn about the historical and technical choices behind this monumental work. Recommended for visitors interested in historic monuments, architecture and immersive cultural visits.