Varese

In this area, Verbano, or Lake Maggiore, is the most renowned pearl, the cradle of the civilization of the Borromeo family who here lavished all their refined culture. Still today, testifying to their prestige, there are sumptuous palaces, luxurious gardens the Italian way, and the imposing Rocca di Angera.

Those who are fortunate enough to climb the Campo dei Fiori mountain when the air is free of the wind, remain enraptured by the view of Lake Maggiore and the other lakes surrounding it, all against the background of the immaculate white Alpine peaks. It is best at sunset when the water is tinged with fire.

The places where you can enjoy this exciting spectacle are fortunately many and accessible to the tourist who, like the great Stendahl before this panorama, declared that he had found in Varesotto the place from which he wished never to depart.

There is no better way of enjoying to the full this palette of sensations than departing from the lake itself, ascending slowly to the hills, to savour that slight breeze that carries a thousand odours from the water, the flowers and the grass steeped in dew.

On the lake, you have the sensation that the villages are fixed in the past. On one side there is the Monastery of St. Catherine, clinging to the rock. From on high, the islands appear as tiny green handkerchiefs rippling in the water.

Higher up are the castles of Cannero, an ancient refuge of the "Mazzarditi", the famous pirates of Verbano.

The Varesotto offers a journey through the waters and through time in the splendid setting of nature rich in colours and emotions.