The Santuario della Madonna del Sasso is a pilgrimage church perched on a rocky outcrop above Locarno, reached by funicular from the town centre or via a steep footpath through the woods. Built in warm golden stone against the cliff face, with a large terrace offering panoramic views over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains, it is both a working pilgrimage site and one of the finest viewpoints in the region.
The church interior contains several notable artworks, including paintings by Bramantino and Giampietrino, two pupils of Leonardo da Vinci who passed through Locarno in the early 16th century. The funicular takes about three minutes and runs frequently; the walk takes about 20 minutes on a well-maintained path. From the sanctuary, the Cardada-Cimetta cable car continues higher into the mountains for hikers and those wanting even wider views.