Buildings of historical importance
San Carlone (Arona)
Category: Buildings of historical importance
The Colossus of San Carlo in Arona, traditionally and affectionately known by the locals as San Carlone, was built in the 17th century on a commission by Federico Borromeo, cousin of the saint, whose idea was to build a colossal stature, visible even from the lake, to proclaim the greatness of San Carlo Borromeo, arch bishop of Milan, who died in 1585 and was canonised in 1610, down through the centuries. The hollow statue, which is over 23 metres tall and stands on a 12-metre granite plinth, was created to a design by Giovanni Battista Crespi, known as Cerano, made of sheets of hammered copper joined together with iron tire-rods and nails by the sculptors Siro Zanella of Pavia and Bernardo Falcoli of Lugano. The work, which was completed in 1698, is the second tallest statue in the world, after the Statue of Liberty in New York. Its surface reaches 500 square metres and it can be visited inside, climbing stairs to a height of 28 metres.
Information
Belvedere San Carlo - 28041 Arona (No)
