The Lago Maggiore is one of the most important and beautiful lakes that Italy can boast: a resource for all purposes not only natural but also a place rich in artistic, historical and unique architecture in the world.
Stresa
Stresa is one of the most romantic villages that dominate Lake Maggiore with its villas, breathtaking views, gardens, the lakefront on which to take a romantic walk. In addition to being the meta-history of the Grand Tour, it is also home to truly suggestive Art Nouveau buildings. From the lakefront it is possible to take the boat to visit the nearby Borromean Islands, a real Lombard pearl, in short, it is a destination not to be missed if you are nearby!
Borromean Islands
On Lake Maggiore there are several islets including the Borromean Islands, full of sumptuous residences, surrounded by elegant flower gardens. Don’t miss Isola Bella, rich in botanical gardens, flora, fauna, statues and refined Baroque palaces with imposing halls full of tapestries, paintings and furniture. Also not to be missed is Isola Madre, also known as Isola Maggiore, which is the largest of the Borromean Islands. Absolutely to visit the Palazzo Borromeo, built in 1500, which is full of finely decorated rooms such as the elegant Venetian living room full of floral paintings. Also worth seeing on the island is the noble chapel, and a beautiful English garden.
Islands of Brissago, Ascona and Locarno
The Brissago Islands are also worth a visit, especially if you go to the Ticino coast. Ascona and Locarno are two very characteristic locations, especially due to two important events such as Ascona Jazz and the Locarno Film Festival which generally take place in the summer.
Santa Caterina del Sasso
Located in Reno di Leggiuno (VA), it is one of the most interesting places on the Lombard coast of Lake Maggiore. Do not miss the lakefront, and the concerts that in summer only increase the value and beauty of this splendid place.
Madonna del Sasso Orselina
It is a very important pilgrimage destination due to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso in Orselina. Do not miss the baroque church of Santa Maria Assunta, the convent, the chapels, the Via Crucis and the Church of the Annunciation.
Villa Taranto
Near the Castagnola promontory there are the beautiful gardens of Villa Taranto, rich in colorful plants and flowers, some of which are very rare, which in the summer give rise to an incomparable spectacle of colors.
Villa Pallavicino
In neoclassical style, Villa Pallavicino is located a few km from the Borromean Islands and inside it is possible to find different plant species but also 40 different species of animals including mammals and tropical birds.
Arona and the Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo
Located in the province of Novara, Arona is important because it is here that traces of the first human settlements in the region were found. The Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo is very important, a statue that can also be visited from the inside to get to the top enjoying the spectacle of the panorama.
Alpinia Garden
Near Stresa, close to the Alps, it is one of the largest and most important botanical parks in the area with a splendid panoramic view overlooking Lake Maggiore.
Rocca of Angera
Spectacular construction that rises above Lake Maggiore, supported only by a mighty limestone rock. The distant view is extremely suggestive, with the impression of approaching a distant place transported directly from the past.
