The Monte Mesma special nature reserve

The Monte Mesma special nature reserve is located on the mountain of the same name, near the south-east shore of Lake Orta in the municipalities of Ameno and Orta San Giulio. This protected natural area was established by the Piedmont region. The Reserve is located at an altitude of between 300 and 576 m. above sea level and extends over an area of ​​approximately 52 hectares around Monte Mesma.

The area has an interesting landscape and woodland appearance and a monumental complex consisting of a convent and a church of considerable historical and architectural value. The slopes of the mountain are rich in vegetation and in particular chestnut and oak woods, below which flow the Rio Membra and the Agogna stream. In the area adjacent to the convent, however, the Franciscan friars still cultivate meadows and vegetable gardens. The fauna present in the woods of Monte Mesma is composed of: roe deer, wild boars, foxes, hares and badgers.