The complex, a real jewel of the artistic and naturalistic patrimony of the Lake Maggiore, offers to the visitor a charming view of the southern part of the lake.

Currently we can access the ancient complex either by boat, directly from the lake, or from the top, along 267 steps starting from the parking close to the Cascine del Quiquio, that in the ancient times belonged to the monastery.

The origins of the Monastery are a mixture of both legend and history, and are connected with the fascinating figure of Alberto Besozzi, a holy man who lived in the second half of the 12th century. He started as a merchant, and used to cross the lake by boat; during a sudden storm, in which his companions lost their lives, he found salvation just on the side of the "Sasso Ballaro". To express his gratitude for having escaped sure death, he vowed to build there a monastery in honour of Saint Caterina, were he would retire to seek refuge against the evils of the world.

For many years Alberto Besozzi lived in complete isolation, and after his death the place immediately became the object of pilgrimage, especially a few centuries later, when the monastery, around 1250, was taken on by the Dominican fathers who wanted to take care of the many pilgrims coming there in prayer.

In January 1984, the Monastery has been awarded as National Monument and in 1970 the Province of Varese bought it and financed its repair.