| ASSOCIAZIONE GUIDE TURISTICHE NOVARA E VERBANIA |
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The Borromeo Islands and Stresa
The Isola Bella (The Beautiful Island ) can be called a masterpiece of Baroque art. This island is composed of a richly decorated and furnished 17 th Century palace, a terraced Italian style garden and a tiny little town with a church which seems to complete the architectural magnificence of the island.
The Isola Madre (The Mother Island ) is the largest of the three Borromeo Islands . This island is mainly occupied by an English style botanical garden with centuries old trees. Inside the 16 th Century palace, antique furniture, a vast collection of marionettes, marionette theatres and scenic accessories are on display.
The Isola dei Pescatori (The Fishermen's Island ) takes its name from the traditional profession of its inhabitants. Fascinating street scenes, history, picturesque corners, excellent (fish) restaurants and tiny little shops: this is what you will find visiting this island.
Stresa is an important resort town that was visited by world famous personalities already back in the 19 th Century: Queen Margherita, Stendhall and many other big names; its sumptuous hotels hosted the Shah of Persia , D'Annunzio, Hemingway… The philosopher Antonio Rosmini , close friend of Alessandro Manzoni, lived here until his death.
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Orta, the Island of Saint Giulio and the Holy Mount (Sacro Monte) with possibility of wine tasting
The picturesque “borgo” of Orta is located on Lake Orta . The architecture of its houses and narrow streets maintains its antique character up to present times. The Romanesque Basilica on the Island of Saint Giulio has frescoes of different centuries, a 12 th Century pulpit and other masterpieces.
The Holy Mount, dedicated to Saint Francis, is the backdrop for the town.
At the end of the tour, it is possible to visit a wine cellar for a taste of local wines (ca. 30 min distance). |
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The botanical garden of Villa
Taranto and the lively market of Intra Verbania
(Saturday)
In 1931, the noble Scottish Captain Neil Mc Eacharn decides to purchase this villa in order to make his biggest dream come true: the art of gardening. Species from the whole world decorate this green paradise. The seasonal blooming periods, like those of the tulips, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and dahlias are truly impressive.
The market of Intra Verbania attracts many visitors weekly, both from neighbouring towns and from nearby Switzerland .
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The town of Arona and the Statue of Saint Charles Borromeo Arona is a lively town in the province of Novara . From the lakeside we have a marvellous view of the Rocca di Angera ( castle of Angera ).
Saint Charles Borromeo was born here in 1538. A huge statue made of bronze and copper, among the tallest in the world, is dedicated to him.
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Tour Lake Maggiore Express: by train through the Vigezzo Valley and the Centovalli (One Hundred Valleys) and by boat from Locarno to Intra Verbania, Stresa, Arona
Departure by train or private motor coach from Lake Maggiore to Domodossola where the mountain train of the Centovalli is ready to leave. A one and a half hour train ride through rocky valleys and unforgettable sceneries will take us to the Canton of Ticino in Switzerland . After a stop in the resort town of Locarno , the boat will take us back to Intra, Stresa or Arona.
(Possibility to stop in the Vigezzo Valley and visit the Chimney Sweep Museum in Santa Maria Maggiore or the famous sanctuary of Re.)
Passport needed!
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Macugnaga: the “Guja” gold mine, the Walzer tradition and the Monte Rosa
The well-known winter resort town Macugnaga is situated at the foot of the Monte Rosa. Here we can visit the museum of Walzer traditions and the gold mine “Guja”.
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Visit to the town of Novara.
On a walking tour through the centre, we will discover the history of this town; the archaeological relics dating back to the Roman period, the early Christian baptistery, the Broletto town hall, the Visconti-Sforza castle, the Duomo, and the Basilica of Saint Gaudentius with its impressive cupola; symbol of the city.
The rice routes . Departure from Novara , a bus ride through the picturesque countryside and a visit to a rice producer. Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Nazario and Saint Celso in San Nazario Sesia.
The wine routes. We'll take the road that leads from Novara to Ghemme and we'll make some stops to see Castles and Ricettos (shelters) on the plain and on the hillside. These hills haven been cultivated to vineyards since Roman times. Visit a wine cellar with tasting of typical local wines.
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The Mottarone cable car with visit of the alpine garden
The Mottarone mountain (1490 mt.) offers a breathtaking view on the Borromeo Bay . On a clear day, up to 7 lakes can be seen! We can reach the top by cable car leaving from Stresa, with the possibility to stop at the Giardino Alpinia where over 500 botanical alpine species grow . Both the Mottarone and the Alpine garden can be reached also by coach (takes more time).
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Baveno and its picturesque Romanesque Parish Church
The lakeside of Baveno is in one of the best positions to admire the Borromeo Islands . From here, we can walk up to the 12 th Century Parish church. The inside of this church underwent a transformation in the 19 th Century erasing all Romanesque traces. Next to the church we can admire the 19 th Century Stations of the Cross and the octagonal Baptistery.
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Visit to the town of Pallanza and its churches Madonna di Campagna and S. Leonardo and the Museo del Paesaggio ( Landscape Museum )
From the characteristic lakeside of Pallanza we can enjoy the view of the San Giovanni Island and the Isola Madre. The Saint Leonard 's Church, the picturesque pedestrian area and the Museo del paesaggio with works of Daniele Ranzoni and Mario Tozzi and the plaster casts of Troubetzkoy are worth a visit. And not to forget the 16 th Century church Madonna di Campagna at a short distance from the historical centre.
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Ghiffa, the Hat Museum and the Holy Mountain of the Trinity (to be reached walking)
Cannobio and its picturesque Sunday market
Cannobio is the last town in Italy before the Swiss border. This is an important resort town, thanks to its mild climate. The Santuario della Santissima Pietà is worth a visit and also the Sunday market cannot be missed for a good bargain.
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Lake Mergozzo and the Archaeological Museum and Antiquarium
Mergozzo is a charming little town facing the lake. It was already inhabited in the pre-historical era by Celtic populations. The different archaeological relics that were found in this area are now on display in the local museum Antiquarium.
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The medieval village Vogogna and its Castle
The medieval village Vogogna recovered its antique beauty thanks to recent restoration works. With its typical houses and the narrow streets, the Palazzo Pretorio (1348) and the Visconti Castle , Vogogna is worth a visit.
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Domodossola and the Holy Mountain Calvario
Domodossola is located on an important connection towards the countries to the north of the Alps . The “piazza del mercato” located in the historical centre, is surrounded by arcades and loggias. Among the most important monuments worthy of mention: The Collegiata, the Church of the Snow Madonna and the 16 th Century Palazzo Silva. The 17 th Century Holy Mountain Calvario, is within walking distance from the centre of town.
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The Museum of the Umbrella - Gignese
This unique museum is dedicated to the fashion of Parasols and Umbrellas from 1800 till today. Hundreds of umbrella-makers have emigrated from Gignese, located above Stresa, , exporting their talent and skills in making and repairing this useful object.
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The botanical garden and animal park of Villa Pallavicino
(suggestion for school excursions) |
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Nature Reserve of Fondotoce and visit to the Casa della Resistenza (House of Resistance)
The nature reserve of Fondotoce is a protected area in a key position for migrating birds. The Casa della Resistenza is located on the Toce Plane, between Lake Maggiore and Lake Mergozzo on the site where 43 partisans were executed in 1944 (suggestion for school excursions).
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“Choo Choo Train” ride to the town of Legro and its frescoed houses
From Orta we can take a “choo choo train” up to the town of Legro . Almost every single house is frescoed by famous artists. The themes are taken from films that were made here on Lake Orta and in the province of Novara , like “La stanza del vescovo”, for example.
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The Vigezzo Valley : Santa Maria Maggiore and the Chimney sweep museum, Re and the Sanctuary of the Blood Madonna. |
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