Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is named also Verbano. It is located in northern Italy, on the south side of the Alps. It is a lake close to Alps. The lake extends for almost 70 kilometers. The landscape is various: mountains in the north, hills in the middle and plain in the south. The two shores are picturesque: they are rich in mansions, trees, villages, romantic paths and relaxing beaches. The Borromean islands are jewels that can be visited catching a boat from Stresa or another close village. Fishing is a traditional activity: perches, pikes and eels can be found in the menus of the local restaurants. This area is also rich in castles: in the Middle Ages noblemen built their fortresses to defend their country. Arona, Angera and Massino Visconti castles are the most famous. Here there are various images taken during trips in the surroundings of the Lake Maggiore. Baveno is a very small village close to Stresa. It is worth to visit it to have a look at the enchanting square where is built the church of Saints Gervaso and Protasio: it was realised in the XI century using granite stones. The tower bell dominates the square that is surrounded by arcades decorated with frescos. Santa Caterina del Sasso is an hermitage located on the eastern coast of the lake: it is very suggestive since it was built in the rocks falling into the lake. The best way to visit it is coming by boat, but also the long and steeply stairway is picturesque. It was built in the XIV century: walking through an arcade you reach the church which is decorated with frescos. Luino is a small city on the north eastern coast of Lake Maggiore: it is famous for a large open air market that has been taking place for 500 hundred years on Wednesdays. Luino has a pleasing and longlakefront promenade. Catching a boat from here you can reach Cannobbio in just 30 minutes. Probably the best trip you can have visiting this area is to sail all along Lake Maggiore from Arona to Locarno in Switzerland, then catch a small and old train and cross the scenic Centovalli and Val Vigezzo to Domodossola. This land is peculiarly wild and romantic: the train passes close to the mountains on bridges that are hanging over precipices. You have the chance to visit nice villages like Santa Maria Maggiore with its typical wooden houses. Cannobio is a village located on the north western coast of Lake Maggiore. It is close to the Swiss border. It is very old: its story begins in the X century. The historical centre is very picturesque, with colorful houses and cobbled streets. Arriving by boat you can see the main square: walking along the lakefront is very pleasing. Just above the square, there is the Sanctuary della Pietà: here there is a painting of Jesus Christ that was believed to have bled in the XVI century. You can walk or cycle all along the rill bank and reach a natural spring named Carlina.

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