A place of spiritual, social and historical relevance, the sanctuary is a destination for visits and pilgrimages. Built on top of a steep rocky mountain, it affords a fabulous view spanning the lake that is an opportunity for reflective, artistic and scenic contemplation. First built as a church and later transformed into a castle, the Sanctuary contains the original "Casa Santa" [Sacred House] dating back to 800 AD. It can be reached by car or on foot (a 20 minute walk along a road traveling up the mountainside). There is also a café with a panoramic terrace and a retreat house. From the sanctuary you can proceed on foot or by mountain bike along a trail that leads to the Cross and Monte Cas. It is open from April to October. Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. A very special event takes place in summer: the pilgrimage of the statue of the Madonna of Montecastello. On the evening of August 14, the statue is carried on the shoulders of townsmen from the Sanctuary to the Gardola Parish Church, where it remains on view until the evening of September 7, when it is returned to the sanctuary. These events are intense moments of devotion for the community. The sanctuary is about 1km from Villa Mariarosa.