The park, which covers an area of 500 hectares, is one of the most significant wetlands in our country. In addition to numerous species of small animals, plants and aquatic flora, the lakes that delimit the wetlands have been the scene of archaeological finds of considerable importance, dating back to around the 4th century. To reach the park, you must leave the car in the parking lot below and continue on foot.

Telephone of  natural  Park of the lagoni: 0322-240239

Telefax of Natural Park of the Lagoni di Mercurago: 0322-240240

 

Federico Borromeo, the Cardinal of whom Manzoni also speaks in his Betrothed, had a gigantic statue erected – about three hundred years ago – in honor of the famous cousin of Carlo Borromeo on the hill overlooking Arona, their hometown. The so-called “San Carlone”, made with copper and bronze plates nailed to each other, must also  be visible from Lake Maggiore: it is 35 meters high, including the pedestal, corresponding to the height of a ten-storey building. At the time, the San Carlo statue of Arona was the only monumental statue existing in Europe. Inside the statue you can climb up a spiral staircase to the head from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake.

 

Pescatori Island
Isola dei Pescatori owes its name to the peculiar and main activity of its inhabitants. The charm of this island is due to the archaic simplicity and rustic whiteness of its houses and the narrow streets that cross it, making the island one of the most romantic places on the lake. There are excellent restaurants that offer the opportunity to taste fish from the lake.

Isola Bella
Built starting from 1632, the building and the Gardens of Isola Bella are the most important attraction of Lake Maggiore. The visit to “Palazzo Borromeo”, allows you to admire on the ground floor and on the main floor numerous rooms richly furnished with all kinds of opulence. In the 37-meter-high gardens (with 10 terraces), there are plants of all kinds and origins that make this garden a fantastic example of an Italian garden of the old age; the pyramidal arrangement of the gardens are adorned with fountains and flower beds.

Isola Madre
It is the largest of the Borromean islands and the most characteristic for its intimate and silent atmosphere: a garden of rare plants and exotic flowers in which, in complete freedom, white peacocks, parrots and pheasants of every variety live, it creates the charm of a tropical land. Isola Madre is particularly famous for the flowering of azaleas and rhododendrons. In 1978, the 16th century palace was opened to visitors, interesting for the reconstruction of olden environments and the collections of livery, dolls and porcelain . The exhibition of the “Puppet Theaters” from the 1700s / 1800s is exceptional.

 

The Park of Villa Pallavicino awaits you at the southern part of the town of Stresa, on the road to Arona, to spend an unforgettable day in one of the most attractive places of Lake Maggiore among ancient trees, wonderful blooms and more than 40 species of mammals and exotic birds (llamas, kangaroos, zebras, beavers, flamingos, parrots). The villa is surrounded by an English garden, famous for the variety and beauty of its plants and for the view of the lake and the mountains of Switzerland that makes it a setting of rare beauty.

 

Those who pass by Lake Maggiore cannot fail to visit Villa Taranto, at least a couple of hours for the ones in a hurry. Villa Taranto and its gardens are known all over the world. The current appearance of the garden of Villa Taranto is not spontaneous, but the result, shaped over time, of a laborious elaboration undertaken by Captain McEacharn in 1931. Entering the gardens of Villa Taranto is like travelling through distant countries, thanks to the thousands of plants imported from all over the world, and very rare collections.

 

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is located in the municipality of Leggiuno. Perched on the sheer rock in one of the deepest points of Verbano, the Hermitage is a monastic complex dating back to the 13th century. Art and history are beautifully integrated in a natural setting of the most evocative, almost a balcony that extends towards the Borromean islands.

 

Its Considered the most important castle in the Verbano area, it stands on a hill above the small town of Angera. Built in medieval times, the manor still maintains the architectural appearance of the 13th-14th century when it had exclusively defensive functions. The room called “Giustizia” is also worth a visit, in whose large rooms are important cycle of paintings of the zodiac signs. In the period from March to October inside the fortress you can also visit the Doll Museum and the Archaeological Museum which collects artifacts dating from the Mesolithic to Roman times found in the Angera area.

 

The island rises about 400 m from the shore. Bigger part of the surface is occupied by the Seminary building built from 1844 on what remained of the ancient castle tower. A visit to the Basilica of San Giulio is a must. Access is allowed every day: in the morning from 9.30 (Monday from 11) to 12.15; in the afternoon from 2.00 pm to 5.45 pm (until 6.45 pm during summer time).