Lago Maggiore (Italian: Lago Maggiore) is one of the four great Italian lakes. The literal translation of the name of the reservoir sounds like a "big lake". And that is the true truth. Located at the very top of the “boot”, Lago Maggiore washes its waters with Italian and Swiss lands. Sheltered by the mountain range of the Alps from the sharp influence of the outside world, Maggiore is famous for its excellent mild climate, clear waters and breathtaking views. From time to time a fluffy fog descends from the mountain peaks to the lake, which gives a special touch of mystery.
Geography
The lake is filled with a natural pit, located among the Alpine mountains. The relief provided Lago Maggiore with a bizarre silhouette. The shape of the pond is very similar to a snake, intricately meandering in the water. The parameters of this "snake" are very impressive: the width of the lake is 10 km, the length is 60 km, the water surface is 212 km2, height above sea level - 193 m, depth - about 370 m.
On the map of Italy, the lake was noted in two regions: Lombardy (Italian. Lombardia) and Piedmont (Italian. Piemonte). On the territory of Switzerland, the rapid river Ticino (German Tessin, Italian. Ticino) rushes into the waters of Maggiore in order to continue its journey through Italian land under the same name. The lake is also fed by the Cannobino River (Italian: Cannobino). The Toce River (Italian: Toce) provides communication between the lakes Maggiore and Orta (Italian. Largo d'Orta). Many small rivers originate in the pool of the picturesque mountain Lago Maggiore, which does not freeze even in the winter.
The contours of the lake, making unexpected bends, awarded Maggiore a unique feature - the presence of island archipelagos. A small land surrounded by lake waters looks very colorful and has long been mastered by local residents. In the Italian waters, two island groups "inhabit": Castles of Cannero (Italian Castelli di Cannero) and the Borromean Islands (Italian Isole Borromee).
The history of the name Lago Maggiore
In time immemorial, a generous lakeside region was chosen by local tribes, which were eventually replaced by nomadic Celts. The most ancient name of the lake left no trace on the pages of historical books. But with the arrival of the Roman Empire in Lombardy, the reservoir received a magnificent name - Big Lake (lat. Lacus Maximus).
In the medieval era, the coast of the reservoir began to actively settle in. Fields and cultivated groves, vineyards and houses of simple peasants appeared on the mountain slopes. In the most picturesque corners, castles of gentlemen and church figures have grown. It was during this period that the lake acquired a new name - Verbano (Italian: Verbano). Fragrant verbena thickets gave the name not only to the lake, but also to the whole province in the Piedmont region adjacent to the reservoir.
At the very beginning of the XIX century, Emperor Napoleon made a lightning break through the Alps to the north of Italy. Thanks to the strategic location of the lake on the way of the troops of the great commander, the pond got a well-paved road. Soon, the charms of a mild climate and pure nature beckoned wealthy Italian aristocrats. The "local" name of the lake did not impress the capricious rich, therefore a more harmonious name - Lago Maggiore came to the fore.
Sights
The surroundings of Lake Maggiore are unusually picturesque places: mountain landscapes, magnificent views of the lake, beautiful villas, palaces and botanical gardens. Extremely warm climate, keeps the air temperature within + 22 ... + 28 0From May to October, which contributes to the filling of resort towns on the shores of Maggiore with tourists. Fans of extreme sports will be able to climb the mountains, ski and snowboard, jump with a parachute or join the ranks of windsurfers. Cycling, horseback riding, sailing and exciting trips to memorable places are also on the move.
What wonders are worth visiting by all means?
One of the most famous resorts in the valley of Lake Maggiore is the city of Stresa. The city is located on the western shore of the lake in the province of Verbano. European tourists discovered this resort in the 19th century. Modern Stresa carefully preserves the cultural values of the past. Within the city you can admire the villas built in the XIX-XX centuries. Most palaces and residences shine with architecture and green parks. Although, come across estates that have fallen into decay. The darkened walls, entwined with unchanging ivy, reveal a different facet of beauty to travelers.
Villa Ducale
The most famous palaces of Stresa include Villa Ducale - Villa Ducale, built at the end of the XVIII century. In the XIX century, the villa served as the residence for the Duchess Elizabeth of Genoa. Subsequently, the residence of the aristocrats was restored and served as the headquarters for the congregation of the Rosemians. Visitors to the villa will be able to look into the Museum of the Order and take a walk through a huge park 13 km away2fragrant aromas of camellias, azaleas, magnolias and other tropical plants.
Villa Pallavichino
Villa Pallavicino is located in the suburbs of Stresa. This palace is valuable in its extensive park, in which there was a place for a small menagerie.
Shortbread Margheritine
Another undoubted attraction of Stresa is gastronomic in nature. Crispbread cookies Margheritine (Le Margheritine) - a unique dessert that is sold in cafes and pastry shops of the city. It was created at the end of the 19th century by a local culinary specialist in order to sweeten the mouth of the future Italian Queen Margarita, the Duchess of Savoy. You can enjoy a royal treat or purchase it as a souvenir exclusively at this resort!
In addition, Stresa has a good port. Boats and ferries departing from the city’s berths regularly lead to the island archipelagos of Lake Maggiore. And on Lia Square (Piazzalle Lido), tourists can take the funicular, taking its cabs high up into the mountains to the peak of Mottarone (Mottarone).
Borromean Islands
Only half a kilometer of the water separates Stresa from the group of Borromean islands, which gives an excellent opportunity to take a tour of the lake and enjoy the views of unusual sights. Five small islands have laid bare their rocky backs for centuries in a bay off the west coast of Maggiore. In the XVII century, a noble family of Milanese nobles Borromeo turned a burning gaze to useless stones, whitening in the middle of a blue lake surface.
The islands, comprising about 20 hectares of firmament, surrounded by relatively calm waters, it was decided to turn into blooming cameos. The first island to be mastered was Isola Bella - "Beautiful Island". Significant efforts were required to give the rocky cliff faceted beauty: everything was brought from the coast of Largo Maggiore, down to the fertile layer of land.
In 1632, Charles III Borromeo began the construction of the palace, which he was going to present to his wife Isabella. However, the completion of the construction was already in charge of his sons. Today, the Borromeo palace is open to the public and is striking in its imagination with its rich interiors and a collection of art.
The garden organized in the form of stone steps looks no less picturesque. Ten large terraces descend from the top of the island to the very edge of the water. Evergreen trees and the most beautiful and fragrant flowers flicker brightly against the background of gray stone.
In the XVIII-XIX centuries, such famous persons as Napoleon Bonaparte with his wife and the Duchess Carolina of Wales walked through the halls of the palace and garden terraces.
Madre Island
Island Madre (Isola Madre) - "Maternal island." It has the largest area among its counterparts in the archipelago. A palace was built on the territory of Madre, which has been perfectly preserved to this day. In the 19th century, it was ennobled by a beautiful English-style garden. In the botanical garden of the island, a palm tree was still preserved, which was planted during its foundation in 1858!
Pescatori Island
Pescatori Island (Isola dei Pescatori) - "island of Fishermen". A small piece of land, about 350 m long and only 100 m wide. This island completely lives up to its name: once upon a time there was a settlement of ordinary people - fishermen. Despite its miniature, several hotels are comfortably located on the island. For example, in Albergo Verbano, consisting of only 12 rooms, couples in love often stop and hold wedding banquets.
The two remaining elements of the archipelago are Marghera Reef (Scoglio della Malghera) and island of St. Giovanni (Isolino di San Giovanni) has a very modest size and is of little interest to tourists. Although, Marghera is called very romantic - "island of love."
Verbania
If you take a full tour of the most beautiful and greenest corners of the coast of Lake Maggiore, then bypassing the city of Verbania will be a big crime. This city is the capital of the province of Verbano, so it covers a fairly large territory. Verbania is famous as the venue for the annual arts festival (classical music, literature, etc.). And for travelers and tourists, this area is valuable due to the huge botanical garden, divided into Ville Taranto (Villa Taranto).
For the emergence of such an impressive natural park, the Italian resort should thank the Scottish war captain Neil McEacharn. The brave Scot fell in love with the juicy beauty of Italian lands at the time of his youth. Having repaid debt to his homeland, Captain Mac Echarn used part of his fortune to buy La Crocetta’s villa, located on the shores of mountain Maggiore. Over time, the retired military had to buy up the land adjacent to the villa in order to achieve the embodiment that he had previously conceived of the project. It took ten years to expand the holdings and reorganize the territories. In 1940, Mac Eharn officially named his estate as Villa Taranto, in honor of one of his ancestors, and was actively engaged in work on the botanical garden.
In 1952, the first visitors stepped onto the paths of the most beautiful of European gardens. Gardens decorated in the form of terraces occupy 16 hectares of land. Deciduous trees, huge pines, rhododendrons, magnolias, exotic flora from all over the world were carefully adapted to the greenhouse conditions of the foothills of the Alps. The garden is divided into dozens of paths into thematic sections.
Tulips, azaleas, camellias, ponds with water lilies, other outlandish flowers and shrubs, bloom the botanical garden with hundreds of rich colors.
The building of the villa elegantly adorns the park, but visitors are ordered to go there. Villa Taranto serves as the residence of the local prefect of the police, so you can admire its beauty only from afar.
After strolling around the botanical garden, travelers can take a look at the others. attractions of Verbania: Villa of St. Remigio (San Remigio), an oratorio dated to the 12th century, the church of Madonna di Campagna, built in the 16th century, an example of baroque architecture of the 16th century - Palazzo Dugnani palace, Villa Julia ( Villa Giulia), built in the 19th century and famous for its beautiful architecture and English garden.
When traveling around Piedmont, do not forget about another group of islands called Cannero Castles. The so-called castles are the remains of fortifications erected on small islands near the area of Cannero Riviera in the XI-XII centuries. Stone forts played a large role during the internecine wars between the divided Italian city-states.
In the XV-XVI centuries, passions between the adherents of papal authority and their opponents became extremely intense. Castles passed from hand to hand between the opposing sides. At the end of the conflict, the need for military fortifications in the middle of the lake disappeared. Gradually fortifications fell into disrepair. At the moment, tourists can admire the remains of the once formidable structures, which stand out in relief against the blue sky and the dark blue waters of Maggiore.
Monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso
The monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso is considered the most inaccessible attraction in the Maggiore Valley. The novices of the monastery professed a truly hermitic way of life, so they organized their abode on an almost sheer cliff. The monastery began to be erected in the 13th century and dedicated to the martyr St. Catherine of Alexandria. In the 16th century, part of the rock hanging over the monastery and temple buildings collapsed. In memory of this tragic event, the novices of the monastery added the ending "del sasso" - "stone" to the name of the great martyr.
In modern times, a museum is located on the territory of the convent of Santa Caterina del Sasso. Visitors will be able to admire the frescoes of the XIV century and imbued with peace and goodness. You can get to the monastery both by water and by land. A visit to the museum is absolutely free!
Since 1993, the Sacro Monte di Giffa Nature Reserve has been under the protection of the UNESCO World Wide Fund. The Holy Mountain stands at Largo Maggiore and hides a baroque church complex in its 17th-18th centuries on its steep hills. The chapels, where you can touch the eternal and look inside yourself, are surrounded by a vast reserve park. 200 hectares of land covered with forests and meadows, equipped with colorful stands with information. And in the depths of the reserve lies the mysterious Witch’s Lake!
How to get there
The path to the resorts of Largo Maggiore is best laid from Milan. A rail link connects Milan with Verbania and Stresa. A train is a quick, economical, and convenient way to get to a mountain lake.
See Italy train ticket purchase instructions. On the official website of Italian Railways www.trenitalia.com you can check the schedule to pay for tickets in advance. For example, a train from Milano Centrale station to Verbania-Pallanza runs almost every hour and costs 8.9 euros.
If the purpose of your visit lies outside the major cities, which are Verbania and Stresa, then you can use the services of buses or find a suitable car rental option on the site auto.italy4.me. Water transport is also highly developed.
Maggiore is universally open to shipping. Thanks to Navigazione Largo Maggiore ships, you can reach the farthest corner of the lake while enjoying the inspiring scenery.
That's all. We hope that your impressions on Lake Largo Maggiore will exceed even your wildest expectations. We wish you a wonderful holiday! Do not forget to bring a camera and a removable flash card with you.
