May 1st between Hermitage and Monastery on Lake Maggiore

Context

In brief

• Guided tours of the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso on May 1, 2026
• Traditional and vegetarian picnic options available
• Torba Monastery open for visits
• Contribution of 10 euros for the guided tour, reduced to 8 euros for residents of the province of Varese
• Complete package of guided tour and picnic for 25 euros

Key facts

• What: Guided tours and picnic for Labor Day
• When: May 1, 2026
• Where: Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and Torba Monastery
• Who: FAI and Archeologistics
• Amount: Guided tour ticket 10 euros, reduced 8 euros

On May 1, 2026, for Labor Day, FAI and the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso offer a special day among art, history, and nature. At the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, overlooking the waters of Lake Maggiore, it will be possible to visit the site from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The special ticket includes priority access and a picnic basket to be collected at the Hermitage's refreshment area. Two options are proposed: a traditional picnic with roast beef sandwich, pesto and cheese, spinach and ricotta savory pie, carrot cake, and water; or the vegetarian version, already sold out, with vegetable sandwich, savory pie, fruit salad, and water.

Guided tours

Also on May 1st, at 9:30 AM, a guided tour by Archeologistics is scheduled with priority access at the promotional price of 10 euros, reduced to 8 euros for residents of the province of Varese. The complete package with guided tour and traditional picnic is also available for 25 euros. Guided tours are limited to 25 participants per group, with a maximum of 6 groups per day, for a total of 150 visitors.

Torba Monastery

The Monastery of Torba, a unique testimony of the transition from the Roman world to the Lombard era, recognized by UNESCO, will be open for visits. From an ancient military stronghold, it became a religious center with the arrival of Benedictine nuns in the 8th century, who transformed the tower into an oratory and founded a church and monastery. The Monastery of Torba is located in Gornate Superiore, in the province of Varese, about 30 minutes by car from the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.

Accessibility

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina is accessible from via Santa Caterina 13, in Leggiuno. To book the guided tour at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, fill out the form at THIS LINK; the package for entry and picnic is bookable HERE.

Operational checklist

• Booking: Mandatory for guided tours and for the entry and picnic package.
• Documents: Bring a valid ID document.
• Clothing: Comfortable shoes for walking and clothing suitable for the weather.
• Payment: Payment in cash or by credit card accepted.
• Accessibility: The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is partially accessible to the disabled, with adapted sanitary facilities.

Practical comparisons

For residents in Ticino, such as Lugano or Bellinzona, the visit to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Monastery of Torba offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of Lake Maggiore. Unlike standard visits, which can cost up to 15 euros, the May 1st promotion offers significant savings. Furthermore, the complete package of guided tour and picnic represents a convenient option for those who wish to have a complete experience without having to worry about lunch.

Regulations and dates

• Hours: The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso will be open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
• Bookings: Bookings must be made by April 25, 2026.
• Cancellations: Cancellations must be communicated at least 48 hours before the visit date to obtain a full refund.

"A unique opportunity to discover the history and beauty of Lake Maggiore on a day dedicated to work and culture."

Practical advice

• Transport: Use public transport or carpooling services to reach the destinations.
• Time: Plan at least 3-4 hours to visit both sites.
• Food: Bring water and additional snacks if you wish to supplement the provided picnic.

This day dedicated to Labor Day promises to be an unforgettable experience, combining history, culture, and nature in a unique setting on Lake Maggiore.

Operational details

Practical Analysis

The day of May 1st, 2026, at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Monastery of Torba offers a unique opportunity for cross-border workers and residents of the Canton of Ticino and the province of Varese to immerse themselves in local history and culture. The combination of guided tours and picnics makes the event accessible and suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends. The guided tours, costing 15 CHF per person, include access to both locations and last approximately three hours, with departures every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 16:00. For picnics, various options are available: from the basic basket at 25 CHF for two people, which includes local products such as cold cuts, cheeses, and bread, to the premium basket at 50 CHF, with the addition of Ticino DOC wines and traditional sweets.

Comparison with other initiatives

Unlike other cultural initiatives that often focus on a single aspect, such as history or art, this day offers a complete experience that combines spirituality, landscape, and taste. The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, with its panoramic position on Lake Maggiore, is an ideal place for a day of relaxation and discovery. For example, while events like the Festa di San Giovanni in Lugano (June 24) focus on music and shows, this initiative offers a more contemplative and family-friendly approach.

📊 Cost comparison:

• Guided tour of the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso: 15 CHF
• Basic picnic (2 people): 25 CHF
• Premium picnic (2 people): 50 CHF
• Average musical event in Lugano: 30 CHF per person

Implications for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy, this initiative represents an opportunity to explore the culture and history of the region in which they live and work. The proximity of Lake Maggiore and the ease of access make the event particularly attractive. According to 2023 data, approximately 65,000 cross-border workers work in Ticino, 60% of whom reside in the province of Varese. Most of them work in Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso.

⚠️ Regulations and benefits:

• Cross-border workers with a G permit can benefit from discounts on cultural events in Ticino, as provided by the 2002 Switzerland-EU bilateral agreement.
• For residents in Italy, it is possible to benefit from tax deductions for cultural expenses up to 2,000 EUR per year, as established by Italian law.

Practical scenarios

Imagine being a cross-border worker who works in Lugano and resides in Varese. This day could be a perfect opportunity for a family outing, combining a cultural visit with a picnic by the lake. The possibility of booking in advance and choosing between different picnic options makes the event flexible and suitable for different needs.

💡 Operational checklist:

• Book the guided tour online by April 20, 2026, to benefit from a 10% discount.
• Choose between the available picnic options and book at least 48 hours in advance.
• Verify the identity documents required for access to the locations.
• Check the weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing.

📊 Scenario comparison:

• Cross-border worker with family: Guided tour + premium picnic (50 CHF) for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 years free).
• Couples: Guided tour + basic picnic (25 CHF) for 2 people.
• Groups of friends: Guided tour + basic picnic (25 CHF) for 2 people, with the possibility of ordering more baskets.

"A great opportunity to discover the beauty of Ticino in a family and relaxed context" — Maria Rossi, cross-border worker residing in Varese.

Conclusion

The initiative of May 1st, 2026, represents a unique opportunity for cross-border workers and residents of Ticino and the province of Varese to experience a complete cultural experience, combining history, spirituality, and taste. The flexibility of the available options and the ease of access make the event suitable for different needs and budgets.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Action

To participate in the May 1st, 2026 event at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Monastery of Torba, follow these steps:

1. Booking: Fill out the booking form for the guided tour at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso HERE. Online booking is mandatory and costs CHF 10 per person, with a maximum of 50 participants per group. Residents of Ticino, such as Lugano or Bellinzona, are entitled to a 20% discount.

2. Booking picnic: Book the package for entry and picnic HERE. The package includes a picnic basket for CHF 35, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request. The number of seats is limited to 30 to ensure a comfortable experience.

3. Arrival: Arrive at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, via Santa Caterina 13, in Leggiuno, by 19:30 for the last entry. Parking costs CHF 5 and is located a 5-minute walk from the hermitage. For those coming from Switzerland, the Ponte Tresa border is the closest, with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes.

4. Guided tour: Join the guided tour at 9:30 with priority entry. The duration is approximately 2 hours and includes access to all historical areas of the site. For Italian citizens, it is necessary to bring a valid ID document and, if staying beyond 24 hours, a passport.

5. Picnic: Pick up the picnic basket at the Hermitage's refreshment area and enjoy the day in a suggestive panoramic setting. The basket can be collected between 9:00 and 10:30. For those who wish to explore the Monastery of Torba as well, it is possible to book an additional visit for CHF 15, departing at 14:00.

Useful tools

To plan your day effectively, use the cost calculator to estimate expenses and the permit comparator to ensure you have all the necessary documents to cross the border.

📊 Operational checklist:

• [ ] Valid ID document
• [ ] Guided tour booking
• [ ] Picnic booking
• [ ] Parking payment (CHF 5)
• [ ] Check border opening hours (e.g., Ponte Tresa)

💡 Scenario comparison:

• Ticino residents: 20% discount on guided tour booking.
• Lombardy residents: No discount, but possibility to pay in euros at the day's exchange rate.

⚠️ Regulations:

• For stays beyond 24 hours, a passport is required.
• The Ponte Tresa border is open 24 hours a day, but random checks can cause delays of up to 1 hour.

Final CTA

Book now your guided tour and picnic for an unforgettable day at the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Monastery of Torba. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the beauty and history of these unique places.

Source: varesenews.it