Agra: Lake Views, Walking Trails and Local History

Agra lies above Lake Maggiore and offers views across almost the entire lake basin. Beech and chestnut forests, meadows, scenic hills and walking trails define the surrounding area. This brings together lake views and a variety of landscapes: wooded areas, meadows and elevated viewpoints. If you are choosing a destination based on nature, walking routes and local history, Agra offers specific places to explore in each of these areas.

Viewpoints with different views

From Belvedere Mandelli, the view extends over Agra and the southern part of Lake Maggiore. Belvedere Augusto Zucoli offers views of the Piedmont shore. The viewpoints therefore differ in what they look out onto: at Mandelli, the village and the southern part of the lake are both in view, while at Augusto Zucoli, the Piedmont shore takes centre stage. If you want to choose a specific viewpoint while you are there, you can use this distinction as a guide: Mandelli looks out over Agra and the southern part of the lake, while Augusto Zucoli looks towards the Piedmont shore.

Giro del Sole and Giro della Luna

The Giro del Sole is a panoramic circular trail in Agra, approximately 3 km long, and takes about 40 minutes. It is suitable for the whole family. Its approximate length and duration give you an idea of how much time to allow for the walk, while the panorama also defines its character. The Giro della Luna offers a different experience: it is a woodland trail on the hill east of Agra. If you prefer a circular walk of around 40 minutes, the Giro del Sole gives you that timeframe; if the woodland setting is the deciding factor, the Giro della Luna is the trail on the eastern hill.

Religious buildings and local history

The old parish church is dedicated to Saint Eusebius and dates from the time of Saint Charles in the 16th century. The Santuario della Beata Vergine del Carmine was built above Agra in 1837. These dates refer to two different historical periods: the parish church is dated to the 16th century, while the Santuario is associated with the year it was built, 1837. Another way to explore local history is the Corte degli Ebrei. The square is reached through a stone archway at Piazza Italia and commemorates Agra’s former ghetto.

A playground and an event to note

Parco Daini is a playground in the centre of Agra, with numerous facilities for children. If children are part of your trip, this is a central point of interest alongside the trails and viewpoints. The Sagra della Zucca e Castagnata was held for the 41st time in 2024. If you would like to attend the event during your trip, check the dates for your travel period.

Discover more destinations: Comerio, Gornate Olona, Ardena Di Brusimpiano, Casorate Sempione, Ceriano, Montecatini, Gavirate, Malgesso

See the main travel overview: Varese.