The ideal starting point for discovering Lake Maggiore.
Below, we recommend some points that, in our opinion, deserve special attention.
Rocca Borromea - Angera
3 km by car
The Castle or Rocca of Angera an unusual example of a completely preserved medieval fortified building, rises on a spur of calcareous rock that has always dominated the southern part of Lake Maggiore. This imposing construction houses items that bear important witness to local history, which is revisited thanks to the marvellous cycle of frescoes of the "Sala di Giustizia" (Justice Hall) dating from the end of the 13th century. It also has many historical rooms, and includes the Torre Castellana, the top of which affords magnificent panoramic views. Also particularly worthy of mention is the seventeenth century wine press that is housed in the wine-pressing room. Some rooms house the Doll and Children's Clothes Museum. This is the most important collection of its kind in Europe, and a large section is dedicated to mechanical automatons dating from the nineteenth century, all of which are fully functioning.
Arona
5 minuti by boat from Angera
The pretty pedestrian promenade in the historic centre is full of lovely shops, great bars and restaurants. The Sancarlone, a statue of over 30 metres in copper and bronze, just outside the centre, is also worth a visit.
Santa Caterina of the Sasso – Leggiuno
10 km by car
One of the most fascinating places on Lake Maggiore. You reach the overhanging piazza by going down a 240-step staircase or by using the convenient lift. Abandoned on a rocky cliff, the monastery is overlooking the Lake. It consists of three buildings: the Southern Convent, the Convent, and the church.
Borromee' islands - Stresa
About 1 hour by boat from Ranco or Angera or about 20 minutes by boat from the Monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso
Famous for its colours and scents, Lake Maggiore offers visitors scenery of incomparable beauty starting with the islands of the Borromeo Gulf, a small archipelago in one of the most alluring parts of the lake and easily reached by boat from Ranco or Angera:
- Isola Bella, famous for its sumptuous Baroque palazzo and magnificent Italianate terraced gardens with a rich variety of rare plants.
- Isola Madre: the largest of the three islands features a well stocked botanical garden with rare plants and exotic flowers and inhabited by white peacocks, parrots and pheasants.
- Isola dei Pescatori: the picturesque old village is still inhabited.
Villa of Porta Bozzolo - Casalzuigno
22 km by car
This villa was built by a member of the family Della Porta about 1500. During the course of time the property was enlarged, but the significant changes were made by Gianangelo III Della Porta at the beginning of the eighteenth century. The villa is now the property of the FAI, and it is a well-know place to visit.
Arcumeggia
26 km by car
At our reception you can buy tickets with a discount of 50%
Just 4 km from Casalzuigno, it is worth visiting Arcumeggia. It is known as the "country of painters" as they are present along the exterior walls of houses 168 frescos.
Sacro Monte - Varese
The Sacred Mount of Varese is part of the group of the nine pre-Alpine Sacred Mountains included in 2003 by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. It consists of fourteen chapels, dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary, leading to the sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte, a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. The hamlet of Santa Maria del Monte, where the sanctuary (844 m asl) is located, is connected to the rest of the city through a historic funicular recently renovated.
Villa Panza - Varese
A historic villa with wrap around windows looking onto a magnificent Italian garden and housing a world-famous collection of contemporary art made up of the 50's by Giuseppe Panza of Biumo. It consists of 150 works of American artists, inspired by the light and colour themes in harmony with the spaces of the villa.
Milan
45 minutes by train from Sesto Calende or by car
Milan, 56 km from Ranco, the international capital of style, with its many shops, is a city to discover in a series of itineraries along the hidden streets and splendid monuments.
Rich in historical monuments and museums: Duomo, Sforzesco Castle, Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, Teatro alla Scala.
Orta
39 km by car
Located a few kilometres from Lake Maggiore, we warmly recommend a visit to the smaller Lake Orta, surrounded by attractive villages, with Orta itself of particular interest. This Medieval settlement has been completely pedestrianised and is the base for enjoyable excursions to the island of San Giulio and to the Sacro Monte.
