Sancarlone, Colossal religious statue in Arona, Italy
Sancarlone is a monumental copper and bronze figure on an approximately 12-meter granite pedestal in Arona, located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. The right hand rises in a gesture of blessing, while the left holds a book, and the entire construction reaches a total height of over 35 meters.
Giovanni Battista Crespi designed this figure in 1614, and the work stretched over several decades until 1697. For nearly two centuries it held the title of tallest statue in the world, until the Statue of Liberty was erected.
The figure depicts Saint Carlo Borromeo, who was born in Arona and later became Archbishop of Milan. Many visitors from the surrounding area recognize the representation immediately, as the saint continues to play an important religious role in the region and many churches bear his name.
A spiral staircase and a ship ladder inside lead up to viewing points at the shoulders and head of the monument. From there you have an open view over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding hills.
The internal structure contains openings that correspond to the eyes, nostrils, and ears of the saint figure. These unusual viewing points allow you to observe the lake and landscape from the perspective of the statue itself.
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