Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Maggiore, the San Carlone Private Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the world’s most remarkable landmarks. Towering over the landscape, the San Carlone statue stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and artistic legacy. Visitors can venture within the statue’s internal structure, ascending two spiral staircases that lead to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the lake and its surrounding natural beauty. But the tour’s true allure lies in the chance to uncover the hidden stories and captivating details that make this attraction a must-see for any discerning traveler.

Key Points

Lake Maggiore: The San Carlone Private Tour - Key Points

  • Explore the iconic Statue of San Carlone, the second-tallest statue in the world, and enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Lake Maggiore.
  • Climb the two iron spiral staircases to access the first balcony and discover the architectural marvels of the statue’s internal structure.
  • Access the top of the statue through the folds of its dress to enjoy a unique, elevated perspective of the surrounding landscape.
  • Complement the statue tour with a visit to the Church of San Carlo, which houses relics of Saint Charles Borromeo.
  • The private tour is priced from £237.66 for groups up to 15 and offers flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Lake Maggiore: The San Carlone Private Tour - Tour Overview

Offering iconic views of Lake Maggiore, the private tour centers around the awe-inspiring Statue of San Carlone, the second-tallest statue in the world after the Statue of Liberty.

Priced from £237.66 for groups up to 15, the 2-hour tour allows for flexible booking without immediate payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors can discover the statue’s internal structure and reach panoramic views from the first balcony, surrounded by centuries-old trees.

Climbing through the folds of the statue’s dress, they’ll view the landscape through openings corresponding to the saint’s facial features.

Statue Details

Lake Maggiore: The San Carlone Private Tour - Statue Details

The San Carlone statue, located in Arona, honors the Milanese archbishop and was inaugurated in 1698.

It remained the largest statue globally for over two centuries until the Statue of Liberty was completed. Designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, who studied the San Carlone structure, the statue is the second-highest in the world after the Statue of Liberty.

Visitors can discover the statue’s internal structure and reach panoramic views of Lake Maggiore. They can climb two iron spiral staircases to the first balcony, surrounded by centuries-old trees, and explore the folds of the statue’s dress to access the top, viewing the landscape through openings corresponding to the saint’s facial features.

Tour Highlights

Lake Maggiore: The San Carlone Private Tour - Tour Highlights

Visitors can discover the statue’s internal structure and reach panoramic views of Lake Maggiore.

By climbing two iron spiral staircases, they can access the first balcony, surrounded by centuries-old trees.

Exploring the folds of the statue’s dress, they can reach the top, viewing the landscape through openings corresponding to the saint’s facial features.

The tour highlights include:

  1. Discovering the statue’s internal structure.
  2. Reaching panoramic views of Lake Maggiore.
  3. Climbing two iron spiral staircases to the first balcony.
  4. Exploring the folds of the statue’s dress to access the top.

Additional Attractions

Along With the statue itself, the tour includes a visit to the Church of San Carlo, located just a few meters from the iconic figure. Built in 1614, the church houses relics of the saint within carved wooden cabinets. Visitors can explore the sacred space and learn more about the history and significance of Saint Charles Borromeo, the Milanese archbishop honored by the statue.

Statue Church
Largest statue for over 2 centuries Built in 1614
Designed by Bartholdi Houses relics of Saint Charles Borromeo
2 iron spiral staircases to the top Carved wooden cabinets for the relics
Panoramic views of Lake Maggiore Complementary to the statue tour
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Preparation and Meeting Information

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes when joining the Lake Maggiore Private Tour.

The tour includes climbing up two iron spiral staircases to reach the first balcony, surrounded by centuries-old trees. Visitors will then explore the folds of the San Carlone statue‘s dress to access the top, viewing the landscape through openings corresponding to the saint’s facial features.

To ensure a smooth experience, participants should:

  1. Check availability for specific dates and starting times.
  2. Review the provided Google Maps link for the meeting point details.
  3. Prepare for the 2-hour duration of the tour.
  4. Note that the tour is priced from £237.66 for groups up to 15 people.

Iconic Views of Lake Maggiore

The tour offers breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Lake Maggiore from the Statue of San Carlone, the second-largest statue in the world after the Statue of Liberty.

Standing tall at 114 feet, the imposing statue commands a prime vantage point, allowing visitors to admire the serene waters of the lake and the surrounding mountainous landscapes.

The sweeping vistas from the statue’s first balcony are nothing short of spectacular, framed by centuries-old trees.

For the truly adventurous, accessing the statue’s upper reaches through its ornate folds provides an even more elevated perspective, with glimpses of the lake peeking through the saint’s facial features.

Largest Statue for Two Centuries

For over two centuries, the San Carlone statue in Arona remained the largest statue in the world until the completion of the Statue of Liberty.

Designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the San Carlone statue stands at an impressive height, honoring the Milanese archbishop.

Visitors can:

  1. Climb two iron spiral staircases to reach the first balcony, surrounded by centuries-old trees.
  2. Explore the folds of the statue’s dress to access the top, viewing the landscape through openings corresponding to the saint’s facial features.
  3. Discover the statue’s internal structure, revealing its architectural and engineering marvels.
  4. Reach panoramic views of the stunning Lake Maggiore, taking in the iconic scenery that has captivated travelers for generations.

Internal Structure and Panoramic Vistas

Along With the impressive exterior, visitors can explore the San Carlone statue’s internal structure, revealing the architectural and engineering marvels that have allowed it to stand tall for over three centuries.

Ascending two iron spiral staircases, guests reach the first balcony, surrounded by centuries-old trees that offer breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore.

Continuing the climb, visitors can access the top of the statue by exploring the folds of the saint’s dress, peering through openings that correspond to the facial features.

This unique vantage point provides a panoramic perspective of the stunning natural landscape surrounding the iconic landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The minimum group size for this private tour is up to 15 people. The tour is priced from £237.66 for the entire group, offering a flexible booking option without immediate payment.

Can I Book the Tour and Pay Later?

You can book the San Carlone Private Tour and pay later. The tour allows flexible booking options, letting you reserve without immediate payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Is the Policy for Cancellations Due to Weather?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility if weather conditions make it difficult to visit the statue comfortably or safely.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There are no discounts mentioned for seniors or students on this tour. The pricing is a flat rate of £237.66 for private groups up to 15 people, with flexible booking options and free cancellation.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Statue’s Interior?

Guests are allowed to take photographs inside the statue’s interior. However, they should be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing the views or paths. Tripods are not permitted, but handheld cameras and smartphones can be used.

Recap

The San Carlone Private Tour offers an unforgettable experience at Lake Maggiore. Guests can explore the colossal statue’s internal structure and ascend to the top for breathtaking panoramic views. Complemented by a visit to the historic Church of San Carlo, this tour provides a unique blend of art, architecture, and natural beauty. It’s a must-do experience for those seeking an exceptional introduction to the stunning landscapes of this renowned Italian destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: