HOLIDAYORTA

Mottarone, Alpinia,Gignese :  The Mottarone mountain (1492 mt) rises between lakes Orta and Maggiore about 15 km. far from the holiday homes (direction Miasino- Armeno) . You go up sweetly from the banks of lake towards fascinating places ; during the drive you can admire mountain meadows, rivers, centuries- old woods. From the top of the mountain you can see a wonderful succession of scenic views of seven lakes, the immense plain of the river Po and the marvellous arc of Italian  and Swiss Alps with the Monte Rosa group (4463 mt). The locality is equipped for winter sports.

Coming back from the peak of Mottarone, take on your left the road for Stresa and follow the indication for “Giardini Botanici Alpinia”. The garden covers about 12.000 sqm. and gives home to some 544 different species of plants, mostly alpine varietas  and a mineral water spring. The garden is situated  605 mt. above lake Maggiore and, from its “belvedere” you enjoy a splendid view of the central section of the lake with Stresa and the Borromeo Island.

Leaving the botanic garden follow the direction to Gignese, pretty village, country of umbrella-makers since 18^th century. You should visit the characteristic “Museo dell’Ombrello” which has the typical polygonal shape of an umbrella. The first floor is devoted to umbrella, sunshades and sticks of the different ages, the second is the  floor of “memories” with background and life of the ancient umbrella-makers.

To coming back home, take to Armeno, driving through the relaxing countryside of the Agogna Valley.

Stresa and the Borromeo Islands: (direction Armeno-Gignese-Stresa far from the houses 25 km.) Since the middle of the last century Stresa has been an internationally renowned tourist resort, in the middle of Lake Maggiore, in a panoramic and  picturesque setting, facing the Borromeo Island. You may see many splendid villas, among which, Villa Pallavicino  with its park zoo particularly suitable for children.

The famous islands of the Borromeo Gulf – Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre – seem to be painted in the one of most beautiful landscapes  in the world. The three island may easily be reached by means of the efficient ferry service of the Lake Maggiore. The Isola Bella with its Borromeo Palace (17^th century) surprises those arriving from the lake on account of its majestic and almost unreal baroque setting. Its park, a masterpiece of Italian style garden,  is laid out on ten terraces that lead down to the lake, while, today, the palace houses a picture gallery that may be visited from March to October.

The Isola Pescatori is a picturesque  village inhabited by a small community that still make a living by fishing.

A maze of alleys will lead the visitor to the traditional restaurants and the open air market.

The Isola Madre is a botanical  garden on water, abounding in rare plants, exotic flowers and free-roaming animals.

Of great interest also is the visit to the Palace (16^th century) where period furniture have been reconstructed and where marionette theatres of 1700/1800 are on display.

Rocca di Angera , Santa Caterina del Sasso: (direction Arona-Sesto Calende-Angera far from the houses 35 Km.)

Probably built on the site of an ancient Roman fortification, the medieval Rocca di Angera was an archiepiscopal possession from the XI century on. In 1449 was sold to the Borromeo family who are still its current owners. Important frescoes adorn the “Sala di Giustizia”; from the “Torre Castellana “ one can enjoy a truly unique panorama:  the wide-spreading lake, Arona on the other side, the Alpine foothills and the Alps themselves.

The first Italian  “Doll Museum”  was opened here in 1988; more than 1000 dolls and other objects sharing the theme of toys and childhood, come from the private collection of Princess Bona Borromeo, as well as from donations and continuos acquisitions.

Left the Castle go on the main Lake Maggiore road  (direction Ispra-Laveno); if you have children it’s worthy to visit the “Museo dei Trasporti ” situated in Ranco a few kilometres left after Angera. It’s a large open space where are displayed ancient and modern means of transport.

Take again the main road (direction Ispra –Laveno) About 10 Km. after Ispra on your left you find the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a very romantic hermitage overlooking the lake.

The Sanctuary had a votive origin. In the late 12^th century, a certain Alberto Besozzi da Besozzo, a detestable merchant of these parts, surprised by a tempest on the lake, promised that, if were saved, he would give all his worldly good to the poor and retire to a hermit’s life. Having obtained grace, he fulfilled the wow and chose a natural cave, near to the present day Sanctuary, as his refuge. When plague broke out towards the end of the 12^th century, the anchorite persuaded the population in order to escape calamity, to build a church dedicated to Santa Caterina .Be careful on the sloping access!