Mottarone and his wood

The top of the mountain can be reached in 20 minutes by road from the shores of Lake Orta. Even today it has large pastures at the summit, which testify to the rural nature of the area.

The Mottarone massif is the best known part of a mountain complex, called Mergozzolo. It enjoys a particularly panoramic position. From its summit you can see the famous “seven lakes”: Orta, Maggiore, Mergozzo, Varese, Monate, Comabbio, Biandronno. On the clearest days you can admire the Alpine necklace in all its beauty, managing to gaze up to Monviso.

History

In the past this mountain was the object of agro-forestry-pastoral activities. Sheep, goats, cattle and horses were raised. Mottarone was particularly appreciated for the goodness of its pastures and for the ability of its shepherds to prepare excellent dairy products.

In more recent times, starting in the 19th century, this mountain massif became a destination for holidaymakers from the Milan area, who took advantage of the mild climate and natural beauty of the area. At the beginning of the 20th century, the rack railway was inaugurated, which allowed tourists to be taken from the town of Stresa, on Lake Maggiore, to the top of the mountain.

Leisure activities

Today, Mottarone offers various opportunities to have fun or relax in nature. Various types of sports are practiced. It is possible to follow hiking itineraries, which can be covered on foot, by bicycle, by e-bike or on horseback.

In winter, the top of the mountain becomes the perfect destination for lovers of winter sports, thanks to the ski facilities and accommodation facilities.

Particularly loved by tourists and locals is the view from the top, which ranges from the Lombard mountains to the extreme Piedmont Alps, allowing you to see the skyscrapers of Milan and the Ligurian Apennines.

Armeno

On the slopes of Mottarone, along the road that leads to the summit, is the village of Armeno. Located at about 500 meters above sea level, it is the northernmost village in the province of Novara.

In the past, mainly agricultural and livestock-related activities were practiced there. For many centuries, it was a center of emigration. Many inhabitants, in fact, chose to move abroad or to the large Italian cities in search of fortune. The professions most practiced by Armenians abroad were related to the hotel sector: waiters, restaurateurs, cooks, hoteliers, etc.

Today this story of emigration, which has led the inhabitants of the small village to reach every part of the world, is told in the Museo degli Alberghieri, which is certainly worth a visit.

The rural hamlets of Sovazza and Coiromonte are now subject to intense depopulation.

Of particular historical and artistic interest is the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta dating back to the 12th century. It was built on the remains of an ancient Roman temple. Inside there are frescoes of particular value, including a valuable Three-Headed Trinity.