Arona on Lake Maggiore

Arona lies on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore. There are several ways to shape your stay: historic buildings, religious art, an annual tradition, and routes through natural and lakeside landscapes. If you are looking for a hotel in Arona, distinguishing between these options can help you decide which aspects of the town particularly interest you before booking. The following stops address different interests—from the history of a defensive complex to the design of a protected natural area.

Cultural history in buildings, art and tradition

The Rocca Borromea di Arona is a defensive complex overlooking Lake Maggiore. It was founded shortly before the year 1000 under Lombard rule. The Rocca thus combines a specific function with an early historical context: you can take in the view of the lake as well as the history of the complex during your visit.

The Sancarlone was completed in 1698. Visitors can climb to the top; the ascent follows a spiral staircase and steep vertical stairways. Before your visit, check whether these stairs are suitable for you. The main entrance to the Rocca Borromea is easily accessible for people with disabilities; check the access conditions before your visit.

Another perspective on history can be found in the choir of the Chiesa dei Santi Martiri o di San Graziano. It contains an altarpiece of the Madonna Enthroned with Saints, created around 1488 by Ambrogio da Fossano, known as Bergognone. The Festa del “Tredicino” is an annual tradition that began with the return of the mortal remains of Saint Fedele to Arona on March 13, 1576. The altarpiece and the Festa thus offer two distinct points of interest: a specific work of art and a religious tradition of its own.

Natural heritage and lakeside routes

The Parco Naturale dei Lagoni di Mercurago brings together nature conservation and prehistoric heritage. The park has been protected since 1980. Since 2012, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps. Its landscape includes a peat bog, pastures for breeding thoroughbred horses, and a wooded area. The wetlands are particularly important for wildlife and rare aquatic and marsh plants. These features offer different ways to appreciate the area: its protected landscape, its plant and animal life, and its UNESCO status.

A dense network of paths runs through the park. Visitors can explore it and walk through it at length. Along the shore of Lake Maggiore, another route begins at Corso Europa; it is intended for pedestrians and cyclists and closed to motor vehicles. Benches along the way offer places to rest and enjoy the panorama.

The options for visiting differ: at the Sancarlone, the focus is on climbing the stairs to the top; in the park, the network of paths allows for an extended exploration; and along the shore, the route for pedestrians and cyclists is lined with benches. As you plan your trip, consider which of these options interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Vacciago, Suno, San Maurizio D'opaglio, Tornaco, Gattico, Armeno, Cureggio, Veruno

For the broader travel overview: Novara.