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Lake Orta, art and culture
The region of Lake Orta, with its little towns and villages, is a perfect blend of art, history, culture and enchanting natural environment.
The parish church of S. Biagio, with its original Romanesque layout, towers above the town of Nonio. In the neighbouring town of Cesara, the parish church of San Clemente is surrounded by an elegant XVIII century Via Crucis. In the small village of Centonara, an ancient mill for grinding nuts and hemp reminds visitors of past trades.
The Museo dello Scalpellino (Museum of the Chisel) in Boleto di Madonna del Sasso tells of the efforts and work of the locals, who carved granite for more than two hundred years.
The entire basin of Lake Orta is visible from the churchyard of the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso (Madonna of the Stone), which was built in the XIX century by Pietro Paolo Minola, an immigrant from Boleto.
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Travel to Ghiffa to learn about the history of hats
The Museum of Hats in Ghiffa, in a former hat production plant near the shores of Lake Maggiore, offers the opportunity to learn about the fascinating story of glamorous Italian hat production. The plant was used by the famous company Panizza, which exported hats with a unique style and quality all over the world.
The exhibition is divided into sections with different themes. In the first part, visitors are shown (in chronological order) the hat models that made history and that are still important fashion references. The second section is dedicated to the Panizza hat production. It includes ever-popular classics such as Safari or Texas, which owes its fame to being a symbol of the magic of films set in the Far West. The machinery used to make the hats is exhibited as well. Films show and explain how these handmade works of art were created.
Entry is free.
Opening times: from April to October, Saturdays and Sundays from 15.30 to 18.30.
Useful contacts
Museum of the Art of Hats
Tel: +39 0323 59174
museocappelloghiffa@libero.it
www.museodellartedelcappello.it
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Visit to the Castles of Cannero Riviera
The castles of Cannero, a lovely area in the upper region of Lake Maggiore and 16 km from Verbania, are very close to the lake shore and can be seen from there.
These romantic ruins, which appear to magically rise from the waters of Lake Maggiore, are the remains of the Rocca Vitaliana, a fortress built by Ludovico Borromeo between 1519 and 1521.
The fortress was built to defend the land from Swiss raids after the Duchy of Milan lost the Canton Ticino. In the main group of ruins, on the eastern island, the massive walls built just below the water surface can still be seen. They follow the irregular line of the rocks. There are some towers with part of the original battlements.
On the western island are a broken tower and some large parts of wall that are gradually collapsing. For safety reasons people are not allowed onto the islands, but their magic still attracts tourists who can admire them from the shore or from the boats cruising in the lake.
How to reach the ruins: exit the A26 motorway for Verbania. Continue heading for the Swiss border on the SS34 along Lake Maggiore until you reach Cannero Riviera.
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Val Vigezzo: the Valley of Painters
Among the Ossola valleys, Val Vigezzo is the one with the highest number of tourists. It has hundreds of tourist attractions and plenty of resorts.
The famous white and blue “Vigezzina” scenic train runs through the valley. Since 1923 it has connected the towns of Domodossola and Locarno, in Switzerland. A pleasant and romantic ninety-minute ride will offer views of Val Vigezzo and the picturesque Centovalli from a privileged and unique position. Passengers can look through large glass windows as the train quietly moves through woods of beeches and chestnuts, grassy meadows, wild mountains and shiny glaciers.
Malesco, Santa Maria Maggiore and Re are perhaps the most attractive destinations in the valley and the most popular among holiday-makers. There are many historical sites and pieces of art to admire. In Zornasco (a part of Malesco), the Church of San Bernardo da Mentone is the focal point of the Via Crucis. Parts of it were painted by Lorenzo Peretti, a painter from Vigezzo. The frescos and paintings in the parish church of the Saints Peter and Paul and the Oratory of St. Bernardino clearly show how incredibly active the art school of the Val Vigezzo used to be. Another example of painting activity in the Val Vigezzo is in Santa Maria Maggiore, where Piazza Risorgimento and the parish church of the Lady of the Assumption have paintings by Giuseppe Mattia Borgnis. It is not by chance therefore that Val Vigezzo is known as the “Valley of Painters”.
It was the valley of painters and the homeland of chimney sweeps. The Museum of Chimney sweeps, in Santa Maria Maggiore, reminds visitors of the sacrifices and travels made by these men, who cleaned the chimneys of half the houses in Europe.
A visit to the Sanctuary of Re is a must. This Gothic-Byzantine monument is dedicated to the Madonna of Blood who miraculously appeared here in 1494.
Useful contacts
Ferrovia Vigezzina
www.vigezzina.com
Museo dello Spazzacamino
www.museospazzacamino.it
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The Puppet Museum on Isola Bella
On the enchanting Isola Bella, in the Palazzo Borromeo, among lovely old furniture, visitors can admire a large collection of dolls and the amazing Puppet Theatre, with items from the XVII, XVIII and XIX centuries, spread out in four halls.
The splendid scenes created by artists of the time such as Alessandro Sanquirico, set designer in the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and Carlo Fontana, set designer in the Regio Theatre in Turin, have survived to the present day. There are lots of puppets that represent all sorts of characters, including some from Greek mythology, commedia dell’arte [comedy of craft] and entirely fictional characters.
All the puppets have carved wooden faces. Their clothes are beautifully made with precious fabrics such as velvet, brocade and silk.
Opening times: 9-17.30 every day from March to October.
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The Ubaldo Baroli Museum of Earth Sciences in Crodo
Lovers of science, geology and geography will truly enjoy a visit to the Ubaldo Baroli Museum of Earth Sciences in Crodo (in Valle Antigorio) during their holiday.
The museum has a very interesting mineralogy section with many different kinds of minerals found in the Val d'Ossola basin and on the slopes of Mount Mottarone, including rare minerals such as gasparite, chenorvite and xenotime, and unique samples such as paranite from Mount Cervandone.
The showcases are arranged to show the main (and better known) areas that the minerals are found in (Alpe Veglia and Devero, Valle Formazza, Valle Antigorio, Bassa Ossola, Valle Vigezzo, Valle Antrona, Baveno and Mottarone). There are microscopes next to some of the showcases to look at the minerals in more detail.
In the “Ubaldo Baroli” section the rocks collected by Ubaldo Baroli along the Ticino River are exhibited. These stones and rocks have been shaped by the water.
The Study Centre has a bar, cafeteria, conference hall, a hall for teaching activities, a library, a photographic library and a research laboratory.
Opening times
Mondays – Wednesdays - Fridays: 9.00 - 12.00
Tuesdays - Thursdays: 13.30 - 18.30
In July and August: public holidays/week-ends: 16.00 – 19.00
Useful contacts
Centro Studi Ginocchi
www.centroginocchi.it
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Discovering the Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands are a must for anybody who wants to enjoy the magic of Lake Maggiore. Our staff are very pleased to offer you a special guided tour to these amazing islands.
The main feature of Isola Bella - the pride and joy of the Borromean Gulf - is the baroque mansion and the Italian garden at 37 metres. It contains some very rare and exotic plants. On Isola Madre, in an immense English-style garden with precious and exotic plants, peacocks, parrots and pheasants roam freely. Isola Superiore (or Isola Pescatori) is the most characteristic in the archipelago and the only one that does not have a stable population.
1st day: Arrive at the Meeting Hotel in Stresa. Dinner in the Meeting Restaurant.
2nd day: enjoy a rich breakfast before beginning the visit to the Borromean Islands.
The ferries will take you to Isola Bella ("Beautiful Island") with its lovely baroque mansion and Italian garden, to Isola Superiore with the traditional fishermen’s village and Isola Madre ("Mother Island"), with a spectacular English garden.
The return to Stresa is scheduled for late in the afternoon.
SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:
Dinner, night in the Meeting Hotel and breakfast
Unlimited daily pass for ferries in the Borromean Gulf
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Enjoy the Musical Weeks of Stresa!
The “Musical Weeks of Stresa and of the Lake Maggiore” one of the most important summer musicals ,this year will reinvent itself.
The first innovation regards the creation of a Jazz-review, with a lot of international known music groups and will take place outdoors the weekend between the 20 -22 July with the Borromean Islands as a frame.
The aim of this innovation is to attract the tourists that have different tastes regarding music and there will be the opportunity to join many other events that will take place on the Lake Maggiore.
PROGRAM:
Day 19/07 Arrival in Stresa where you will have the opportunity to stay at our comfortable 3-star Hotels Meeting and Primavera (www.stresahotels.net) situated in the center of the charming town, only 100 mt. from the Congress Palace, where the rooms have private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, heating, satellite plasma TV, telephone and web access Wi-Fi.
Day 20/07 an Intercontinental breakfast buffet welcomes you in the and bright breakfast room and then you will have a lot of fun and entertaining opportunities waiting for you! Starting from an afternoon lying under the sun at the seaside, to a walk through the streets of the charming town or a mountain hike followed by a picnic. Then reach the festival afoot and have fun!
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Lake Maggiore on Bike!
Mountain Bike Lovers? You’d like to conciliate your favorite Sport with your Holidays on the Lake Maggiore!
THE TOCE TOUR
An easy cycle route, suitable for anyone!
It’s a path in the plains next to the Toce river,21 kms long,all year viable.
The start will be next to the “Costa Azzura” Resteurant in Fondotoce, proceeding through Mergozzo and Montorfano then through Ornavasso until the arrive that will be in Domodossola.
PROGRAM:
Day 03/08 Arrival in Stresa where you will have the opportunity to stay at our comfortable 3-star Hotels Meeting and Primavera (www.stresahotels.net) situated in the center of the charming town, only 100 mt. from the Congress Palace, where the rooms have private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, heating, satellite plasma TV, telephone and web access Wi-Fi.
Day 04/08 an Intercontinental breakfast buffet welcomes you in the and bright breakfast room and then you will be able to reach Fondotoce with your bike ( the hotel disposes a bike rental service) only 30 min from Stresa.
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BIKE RIDE AND BICICLES DECORATED WITH FLOWERS EXHIBITION IN ARONA
The 27th of May 2012 in Arona there will be a non-competitive Bike riding and a beautiful exhibition with more than 200 bike decorated with flowers to celebrate the spring arrival .
PROGRAM:
Day 26/05 Arrival in Stresa where you will have the opportunity to stay at our comfortable 3-star Hotels Meeting and Primavera (www.stresahotels.net) situated in the center of the charming town, only 100 mt. from the Congress Palace, where the rooms have private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, heating, satellite plasma TV, telephone and web access Wi-Fi.
Day 27/05 an Intercontinental breakfast buffet welcomes you in the and bright breakfast room and then you will have a lot of fun and entertaining opportunities waiting for you! Starting from a morning lying under the sun at the seaside, to a walk through the streets of the charming town or a mountain hike followed by a picnic ( The Cable-way to Stresa costs 13,50 euro per person)or decide to reach Cannobio and see the weekly market. In the afternoon you can return to Stresa and reach Arona ( 5 min. from Stresa) to attend the event.
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OMEGNA "STREET BOULDER" IN OMEGNA
OMEGNA STREET BOULDER
Means climbing through the urban city limb doors, cornices, arches, balconies, columns…No need for ropes and harnesses
More than 60 blocks to climb, entertainment, charities, a different way of looking at the city, raising awareness, Aperitif , music and great final party!
For an easy and enjoyable manifestation to try or watch.
PROGRAM:
Day 11/05 Arrival in Stresa where you will have the opportunity to stay at our comfortable 3-star Hotels Meeting and Primavera (www.stresahotels.net) situated in the center of the charming town, only 100 mt. from the Congress Palace, where the rooms have private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, heating, satellite plasma TV, telephone and web access Wi-Fi.
Day 12/05 an Intercontinental breakfast buffet welcomes you in the and bright breakfast room and then you will have a lot of fun and entertaining opportunities for the morning..Starting from a walk through the streets of the charming town,visiting the beautiful gardens of “Villa Taranto” with his magnificent exotic plants and flowers or reach Verbania to see the traditional weekly market in open air with the typical products.
Then,after lunch you can reach Omegna by car or by bus (only 20 minutes from Intra or Stresa) and join the Manifestation!
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NORDIC WALKING : FREE LESSONS IN VERBANIA
Conciliate your holidays with Fitness and Sport!
But let’s start from the beginning…
What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking is the activity of walking for fitness using specially designed poles to give you a full-body workout.
What are the health benefits of Nordic Walking?
• Burn up to 40% more calories during your walk
• Pump up your cardio by increasing oxygen consumption
• Reduce stress to your knees and lower joints
• Improve posture
• Strengthen your upper body and create resistance to build better bone density
Deciding to attend these free lessons, you’ll have the chance to visit the Borromean Islands, the Natural Parks and the Reserves of the Lake Maggiore, the Gardens ( Villa Pallavicino, Villa Taranto…) of Verbania and much more…!
PROGRAM:
Day 09/06 Arrival in Stresa where you will have the opportunity to stay at our comfortable 3-star Hotels Meeting and Primavera (www.stresahotels.net) situated in the center of the charming town, only 100 mt. from the Congress Palace, where the rooms have private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, heating, satellite plasma TV, telephone and web access Wi-Fi.
Day 10/06 an Intercontinental breakfast buffet welcomes you in the and bright breakfast room and then you will join the lessons that will be held from 11 until 3 pm.
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“GASTROMIC AND PANORAMIC WALKING”
On the 20th of May join the non- competitive discover of picturesque villages around Stresa, overlooking the Borromean Gulf (about 10 km walk) and excursion to Isola Bella by boat.
The event will take place in any weather.
MEETING POINT Lido di Carciano from 9,30 to 11 am
RESERVATION NOT LATER THAN THURSDAY MAY,17TH : Ufficio Turistico di Stresa (+39 0323 30095)
ADULT : 20 €
CHILDREN UNTIL 10 YEARS: 7€
PROGRAM OF THE DAY
• Welcome Coffee in Lido di Carciano
• Welcome Islander Drink In Isola dei Pescatori
• Country Style Hors d’Oeuvre in Campino
• Lunch ( Tagliatelle with Tomato sauce and Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce) in Levo
• Mixed Grilled Meat with garnisch in Someraro
• Cheeses, Dessert, Coffee, Digestive Drink in Carciano
PROGRAM:
Day 19/05 Arrival in Stresa where you will have the opportunity to stay at our comfortable 3-star Hotels Meeting and Primavera (www.stresahotels.net) situated in the center of the charming town, only 100 mt. from the Congress Palace, where the rooms have private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, heating, satellite plasma TV, telephone and web access Wi-Fi.
Day 20/05 an Intercontinental breakfast buffet welcomes you in the and bright breakfast room and then you can reach “Lido di Carciano” by foot (only 15 min from Stresa by foot) and join the event.!
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