Lake Maggiore

... More >

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.