Leggiuno – Italian Open Water Tour 2026

Legend has it that the hermit Alberto Besozzi sought refuge on the cliffs overlooking the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore in the 12th century, after surviving a turbulent crossing in these very waters. Today, the monastery that bears his name, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, stands 16 meters above the surface, its three chapels providing a stark, vertical contrast to the fluidity of the lake. Swimmers entering the water at Leggiuno feel the weight of this silence; the monastery’s stone walls have been a national monument since 1914, watching over the shoreline with the same stoicism they showed during the medieval era.

As you navigate the course, the landscape shifts from the monastic stillness of the shore to the panoramic drama of the Borromean Gulf. Looking toward the horizon, the distant peaks of the Monte Rosa massif frame the water, while the imposing Sasso del Ferro mountain dominates the skyline to the north. It is not uncommon to see hang gliders launching from the summit of the Sasso del Ferro, their colorful wings circling above the lake like raptors before descending toward the basin. The water here is influenced by the Mergozzo wind, a localized phenomenon that can alter surface conditions, requiring constant vigilance as you sight the buoys.

Historical echoes linger beneath the surface and along the ridges. On the slopes of the Monte di Ballarate, the ruins of an ancient Lombard watchtower silently mark the strategic importance this stretch of the Verbano landscape once held. Further north, the inlet of Laveno-Mombello remains guarded by its historical defensive forts, including the 'forte garibaldino', standing as reminders of past territorial struggles.

For those preparing for the 2026 edition on July 4th, the Italian Open Water Tour offers a wide range of distances, from the 926m relay legs to the 7,000m 'Hard Swim'. The event, held in the heart of the summer season, allows participants to test themselves against the same currents that defined the history of the Verbano coast. If you are planning your progression through the Italian circuit, you might note that swimmers often use the early season to build endurance, such as participating in the Pioneer crossing in mid-June before arriving at the foot of the hermitage. The challenge here is not just the distance, but the ability to maintain one's rhythm while the gaze is constantly pulled toward the rocky ridge where the 12th-century hermit once stood.