Tower of Buccione e Gozzano

Ancient symbol

The Tower of Buccione is the best preserved part of an ancient castle. It is located on a hill in the southern part of the Lake Orta basin. In past centuries it was the symbol of the Riviera di San Giulio, an autonomous principality under the control of the Bishop of Novara that included a large part of the lake’s territories.

On the top of the tower there was a bell, no longer in use today, which was rung at the risk of an attack. All the men of the Riviera then ran in arms to defend the territory from enemies.

The Tower of Buccione, probably dating back to the 12th century, was surrounded by a military outpost that is now visible only for a few remains of the walls. For defense reasons the ancient entrance was placed 7 meters from the ground. The walls that surrounded it had battlements and loopholes.

The tower was placed in a strategic point. The raised position allowed to see in advance the approach of a threat from the plain to the south or from the surrounding hills. From the top, in fact, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire lake, the Alps and its flat lands of the Agogna valley, up to the city of Novara.

Protected nature reserve

Today the Tower is located within the Special Nature Reserve established by the Piedmont Region to safeguard the historical and environmental heritage of the place. It is possible to reach it on foot after leaving the car in the parking lot below, along the road that leads from Gozzano towards Ameno and Miasino. From the parking lot, in 15 minutes you can reach the top of the hill, with an easy walk on a path sheltered by trees. From the clearing in front of the tower you can enjoy a magical view that ranges from the Dome of Novara to the south to the peaks of Monte Rosa to the north: an incredible view, which is difficult to forget.

Lido di Gozzano

The lake area in front of the Colle della Torre is called the Gulf of Buccione. Here is one of the most renowned and appreciated areas by bathers: the Gozzano beach, excellent for swimming and cooling off on hot summer days. Near the beach you can see the so-called Casa del Vescovo. The Bishop of Novara stopped here when he visited the territories of the Riviera. Often, before being escorted by boat to the Island of San Giulio, he spent the night in this building. Today it is a private residence, but on the outside it still preserves the frescoes depicting the coats of arms of the various bishops who governed the territory.

The reed beds

Along the coast that from the Gozzano beach leads to the village of San Maurizio d’Opaglio on the western coast of the lake, it is possible to take an enchanting walk immersed in the green of the woods and the blue of the waters.

Here you can admire one of the most important places for the lake ecosystem: the Gozzano reed bed. This environment is home to several species of animals: birds, mammals and several aquatic species.

It is a place of great naturalistic value that must be protected and respected by the local community and visitors. This is the largest of the reed beds found on the shores of Lake Orta.

Gozzano and its Basilica

Just south of the lake, the town of Gozzano is worth a visit, one of the most populous towns in the area. In addition to being a production center of great importance for the area, it is home to some valuable monuments.