Madonna del Sasso is a famous Marian shrine in Orselina, Switzerland, overlooking Locarno. Legend has it that a Franciscan friar saw a vision of the Virgin Mary here in 1480. The church is ornately decorated and offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

To come up to the sanctuary, you can either take a hike up, or take the more comfortable ride with the furnicular from Locarno to Orselina. The funicular entrance is located right next to McDonalds. Return tickets are priced at 5.70CHF.

We went in to admire the beautiful, intrinsically painted frescos lining all over the church’s interiors.

Make sure not to miss the beautiful porch outside the church, it has one of the best views over Locarno, the lake and the surrounding mountains. Click here for the little clip I filmed outside!