Discover San Maurizio D'opaglio

San Maurizio D'opaglio combines cultural history with trails along the lake. The Museo del Rubinetto e della sua Tecnologia explores water, technology and hygiene; historic churches and a palazzo offer further insights into the town's history. Outdoors, options range from a walk along the lakeshore to the Anello Azzurro and the uphill Camminata “L’Antica Via degli Scalpellini”. When planning your visit, you can choose how to balance a museum visit, architectural history and time outdoors.

Water, technology and hygiene

At the Museo del Rubinetto e della sua Tecnologia, water is a central subject not only as part of the landscape, but also as an aspect of the history of technology and everyday life. The permanent exhibition “L'uomo e l'acqua” explores the relationship between people and water. Around 300 exhibits of industrial archaeology illustrate the development of taps and traditional craft manufacturing techniques. The exhibition also traces the history of hygiene and technological innovations. Fittings and valves are essential components of this story; these developments made it possible to manage water. The subject also includes the transformation of personal hygiene from an elite practice into a mass phenomenon. Technical objects and social change are thus considered together.

Churches and historic sites

The Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie was built in 1739 at the behest of the Lera family, particularly Marco Antonio Lera. The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Maurizio is associated with several historical dates: an estimate dated 1537 confirms that a church dedicated to Saint Maurice stood in Briallo. The Chiesa Parrocchiale was renovated and extended in 1582–1583, possibly in preparation for its later consecration. Bishop Cesare Spedano consecrated the church on September 9, 1590.

In the hamlet of Opagliolo, Palazzo Bettoja is considered a typical home of the local minor nobility. Archaeological finds indicate that the site was inhabited in Roman times or earlier. The Oratorio di San Giulio alla Fontana lies between Opagliolo and Punta di Casario, surrounded by woodland in a narrow valley that leads to the lake. A footpath to the Oratorio starts on Via Monte Bianco in Loc. Opagliolo; a paved lane continues from there down to the lake. This makes it possible to appreciate the Oratorio in the context of the forest, valley and lake.

Walks and trails by the lake

A walking trail along the lakeshore starts in the village of Pascolo. The Anello Azzurro passes Spiaggia Comunale di Pascolo and Spiaggia Comunale di Prarolo; a short detour also takes you to the small harbor at Lagna. Spiaggia Comunale Prarolo is freely accessible on foot, and access is also ensured for people with disabilities. In 2023–2024, it was awarded the Blue Flag by FEE.

Another route is the Camminata “L’Antica Via degli Scalpellini”. It starts at the Ditta Giacomini car park on the road between San Maurizio D'opaglio and Alzo, then climbs along the historic route to the Santuario di Madonna del Sasso. You can distinguish the two trails by their described features: the Camminata climbs to the Santuario, while the walking trail starts in Pascolo and follows the lakeshore. This gives you specific pointers for planning and deciding whether to focus on a lakeside walk, the stops along the Anello Azzurro or the historic uphill route.

Discover more destinations: Invorio Inferiore, Gozzano, Castelletto Sopra Ticino, Dormelletto, Alzo, Casaleggio Novara, Suno, Case Sparse

For the broader travel overview: Novara.