Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo – Arona | Venerated Giant Protector of Lake Maggiore

 

On a hill overlooking the town of Arona and Lake Maggiore stands the majestic colossus of San Carlo Borromeo also known as San Carlone, a  monumental statue erected in honor of an influential figure native of this locality who belonged to one of the most important dynasties that made the fortunes of this area  beatified in 1610 who was Cardinal and Archbishop of the Milanese Curia.

Once you reached the municipal terms of Arona begins the steep slope that leads to the Sacred Mount of Arona along a road of the Alto Vergante.

On the tophill in a large square where you can admire the colossal statue 23.40 meters high  with a pedestal of 11.70 meters for a total height of 35.10 meters erected between 1624 and 1698 by Siro Zanelli and Bernardo Falconi on a design by Giovanni Battista Crespi known as "Il Cerano", a colossus who is considered the venerated protector of the Major.

This work was due to the interest of St. Charles' cousin, Cardinal Federico Borromeo,  also known in literature as he was mentioned by Alessandro Manzoni in his masterpiece The Betrothed, and the Father of the Confraternity of Oblates Marco Aurelio Grattarola, both known for having been great admirers of St. Charles Borromeo.

Originally the statue was supposed to be in marble  to be inserted in a complex with 15 chapels, later there was a change of floors, only three chapels were made, two of which were unfinished and the statue was developed using copper and bronze plates.

The San Carlone is the second statue of this kind after the Statue of Liberty in New York and it is said that inspired the architect Bartholdi who made the project two centuries later of the gigantic American statue and executed by Gustave Eiffel.

The architect had as inspiration two iconic figures, The Colossus of Rhodes and the Colossus of St. Charles Borromeo, opting for the second by consulting often and at length the projects of the San Carlone,  studies that were undoubtedly of considerable support for the hesitant operation of raising that enormous elevated structure on the bay of the Hudson River.

You can linger on the huge granite pedestal where you will see the figure of the Saint with his right hand extended blessing and the codes of the Council of Trent  of which he was a fervent supporter under his left arm.

Behind the structure there is an iron staircase that allows the ascent to the panoramic balustraded terrace by entering the inside of the statue. Going up the metal stairs you can reach various positions in the head, nose, ears and eyes where there are windows, the ascent takes place in turns and is  not within everyone's reach. In any case, everyone can reach the panoramic terrace to enjoy unforgettable views of Lake Maggiore, the Verbano Prealps and the Alpine peaks that mark the border with Switzerland.

In the square outside the space with the huge statue is the Episcopal Seminary of San Carlo  built in 1907 by the architect Richini who was the executor of the project of the Church of San Carlo where inside on the altar was placed an image of the Saint attributed to Cesare Procaccini.

The visit of the colossus of San Carlo Borromeo is fascinating, the imposing statue that lasted several years that inspired other works, the views from above of the magnificent Lake Maggiore are certainly excellent ingredients for experiencing a pleasant day of tourism.

Link : https://www.statuasancarlo.it/