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The medieval defense tower of the lake The Tower in ancient times was surrounded by a wall with arrow-slits. At the very top there was a bell which rang when danger was on the…

A timeless pearl The medieval walled village of Orta with its gem of an island, the pearl of the Cusio area, is without doubt the most precious jewel of Lake Orta, a priceless…

Villa Nigra – Miasino Villa Nigra is the Town Hall of Miasino, a gorgeous old village 479 meters above sea level on the eastern side of Lake Orta, among the most charming places…

Santa Maria of Luzzara – Gozzano The delightful little church of Santa Maria of Luzzara, 11th century, is known for its recently restored frescoes and a curious “sailing&…

La Bocciola Sanctuary – Ameno The origin of this Sanctuary goes back to an episode in 1543 when the “Holy Virgin appeared to a young girl who tended her animals there”. Later in…

Roman bridge of Pezzasco Ameno is on a plateau that slopes south east, on the eastern bank of Lake Orta, along the medieval Francisca road which connected Gozzano with Orta San…

The House of Dwarves – Orta San Giulio Casa Marangoni is the oldest house in Orta and is known as The House of Dwarves due to the four tiny windows just above the main wooden beam…

San Rocco Church of Miasino The name of San Rocco, protector from the plague, was chosen for the ancient Romanic Church, which did not survive longer than the early 1600s and was…

The present day Basilica goes back to the 12th Century and was designed on the model used for the cathedral in Novara. Quite apart from its very fine frescoes, do not miss the…

In the Comune of Ameno, Mount Mesma is home to a quiet 17th century Franciscan monastery, set on a hill at 576 meters altitude. The view from the churchyard is stunning, drawing…