Colmegna: Village History and Routes on Lake Maggiore

Discover Colmegna through its historic village centres, the Church of Santa Caterina and the routes around Lake Maggiore. The village’s history is reflected not only in its buildings: the routes described here also have their own distinctive features, from a former road with galleries to a section of trail along the lakeshore.

Two historic village centres and the Church of Santa Caterina

The old village of Colmegna has two historic centres. One is near the small harbour, where a picturesque row of fishermen’s houses stands. The other is slightly higher up, around the Church of Santa Caterina. These two landmarks give the village a distinct spatial character: one close to the harbour, the other higher up by the church square.

The Church of Santa Caterina stands on an elevated church square on the edge of Colmegna and offers panoramic views of the central basin of Lake Maggiore. Its nave is single-aisled, with two chapels adjoining each side. The term “single-aisled” refers to the church’s main interior space. Together with the chapels, it creates a clear layout that draws the eye to the architecture.

A painting in the church is another point of art-historical interest in the village: “Lo sposalizio di nostro Signore con santa Caterina” was attributed to the Procaccini workshop by Cardinal Giuseppe Pozzobonelli in 1748. The attribution names the workshop, not a confirmed individual painter. The church’s significance is therefore linked both to the building itself and to the history of a specific work of art.

Villa architecture and a lakeside festival

Villa Carissimi adds an example of early 20th-century architecture to the picture of Colmegna. Vincenzo Morandi built the villa between 1907 and 1909. It is considered possibly the most significant Art Nouveau building in the Luinese area. The qualification is important: the claim is that it may hold an outstanding position among Art Nouveau buildings in this area.

Another cultural highlight is the traditional Festa di S. Caterina. It takes place in late November, when a large bonfire is lit on the lakeshore. If you are interested in the festival, late autumn is therefore the time to bear in mind when planning your trip. Check the event dates in advance if you are planning your trip around it.

Routes with different points along the way

The Grand Tour of Lake Maggiore stage runs from Colmegna to Maccagno Inferiore along a former road that passes galleries. The road is now used by pedestrians. This route description is therefore quite different from a simple lakeside walk: the focus is on the former road and the galleries along the way.

A high-level variant of the same stage runs from Lungolago Palazzi di Colmegna up to an elevation of 520 metres, the highest point of the stage. This figure refers to the elevation reached, not the length of the route. By contrast, the Sentiero Belvedere initially follows the lakeshore for 100 metres towards Maccagno, then turns uphill at a narrow point. The features described help you compare the routes: one follows a former road with galleries, while the other has a short lakeside section followed by a climb.

Colmegna by the water

Diving is another possible point of interest: Colmegna is one of the recommended dive sites in the Verbano area. Together with views of Lake Maggiore and the routes described, this gives the village a profile that brings culture and activities on the water together. When planning your trip, you can weigh up the historic centres and church against the specific features of the routes, then look for suitable hotels for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Brissago-Valtravaglia, Brusimpiano, Cunardo, Ispra, Capolago, Gavirate, Olgiate Olona, Arcisate.

For the broader travel overview: Varese.