Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore), known to the Romans as Lacus Verbanus, lies in north Italy; the northern part of the lake, with the town of Locarno, is in Switzerland. The distance between the southern tip of the lake and the town of Novara is about 30km/19mi.
Lake Maggiore, with an area of 212 sq.km/82 sq.mi (length 65km/40mi, breadth 3-5km/2-3mi, greatest depth 372m/1,228ft), is the second largest of the north Italian lakes.
Less intricately patterned than Lake Como and without the sheer rock faces of the northern part of Lake Garda, it nevertheless offers scenery of southern splendor which may lack the grandeur of the other lakes but is perhaps even more appealing.
The east side belongs to Lombardy and the west side to Piedmont. The lake's principal tributaries are the Ticino and the Maggia to the north and the Toce on the west side. The river which flows out of the southern end is the Ticino. The northern part of the lake is enclosed by mountains, for the most part wooded, while towards the south the shores slope down to the plain of Lombardy. In clear weather the water in the northern part of the lake is green, in the southern part deep blue.
Climate
The climate is mild. From midnight until morning the tramontana blows, usually coming from the north; from midday until evening the inverna blows from the south. The trees of Lake Maggiore, like that of lakes Garda and Como, include numerous subtropical species: figs, olives and pomegranates flourish in the mild climate, and in August the myrtle blooms. On the Borromean Islands lemons, oranges, cork-oaks, sago-palms and carob-trees grow.
Tourism
The most popular tourist areas are around Locarno and on the western arm of the lake between Pallanza and Stresa, where the magnificent Borromean Islands with their subtropical parks are the main attraction.
Ispra
Near the east side of the lake, at Ispra, is the first Italian atomic research center, now a Euratom research center, with an atomic reactor (1959) and a tower 120m/396ft high belonging to a meteorological station.
Boat services
Another very worth-while excursion is a boat trip on the lake (services throughout the year). The boats ply between Locarno and Arona (also hydrofoil services), calling alternately at places on the west and east sides; between Cannobio and Stresa, and between Verbania and Stresa. There are also car ferry services.
Visitors cannot miss the Colossus of St Carlo Borromeo. This is a gigantic copper statue, erected in 1697, after a drawing by G.B. Crespi, also known as Cerano. The statue is located on a hill overlooking the town of Arona and measures 33m/108ft in height. Up to six people can fit into its head alone and one has a marvelous view from its eyes.
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Borromean Islands / Isola Bella
Isola dei Pescatori
Lake Maggiore
