Forget about that intercontinental flight to Rio de Janeiro and leave your passport for New York in the drawer. Less than an hour from Milan, on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, stands a colossus that seems to challenge the sky and holds a little-known world record. It is the San Carlone of Arona: a majestic and imposing statue that, for over two centuries, was the tallest in the world.
Commissioned in the 17th century by Cardinal Federico Borromeo to honor his cousin, Saint Carlo Borromeo, born in Arona in 1538, the statue is over 35 meters high and has dominated the landscape of Lake Maggiore for more than three centuries.
It is also one of the few statues in the world that can be visited inside: a little-known record that makes it truly unique in Europe. Its structure, made of copper and masonry, appears imposing and solemn and represents not only a religious symbol but also a strong sign of identity for the entire area.
The Italian giant, “father” of the American Statue of Liberty: the secret link between Arona and New York
Few people know that if the Statue of Liberty dominates the Manhattan skyline today, part of the credit goes to this village overlooking Lake Maggiore.
When architect Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi began designing the Statue of Liberty, he faced an enormous engineering challenge: how to support a statue of such imposing dimensions without it collapsing under its own weight?
He found the answer while staying in Arona, where he studied the engineering of the Italian colossus, namely the technique of hammered copper plates fixed to a core of stone and iron. A plaque at the foot of the Statue of Liberty still commemorates this historical link, making Arona a special stop for those who love to discover lesser-known stories and the great secrets of architecture.
Climbing the Giant: an adrenaline-filled experience inside the “bowels” of the Saint
The guided tour takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the history, art, and curiosities surrounding the monument, but the most exciting part is undoubtedly the climb. A spiral staircase leads up to the panoramic terrace at the foot of the statue, offering views of Lake Maggiore and the mountains that surround it.
For those who want an even more complete experience, it is also possible to climb inside the statue via a ship’s ladder: an evocative journey that allows you to “enter” the 17th-century giant and perceive its structure from the inside, until you reach the small panoramic openings (the eyes).
N.B: If you decide to climb up to the eyes of the statue, bear in mind that the space is very narrow and the climb requires a certain amount of agility. It is not an experience suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia, but it is an absolute must for those looking for an extraordinary thrill just a few kilometers from Milan.
What does Arona have that Rio de Janeiro doesn’t?
The colossus reopened on March 1, 2026, with the following opening hours:
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in March.
- April, May, June, Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- July and August every day 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Here is the official website for all the information you need and to book your visit.
Prices:
- Full price: €13
- Reduced (6-16 years): €8
Where: Statue of San Carlo, Piazzale San Carlo, 28041, Arona (NO)