Omegna, a little gem on Lake Orta
Omegna is a town sitting on the northernmost end of Lake Orta, surrounded by mountains and crossed by river Nigoglia.
Omegna is an Italian town with more than 15 thousand inhabitants in the area of Verbano Cusio Ossola. This settlement sits on the northernmost end of Lake Orta, a body of water of glacial origin. People consider Lake Orta as the smallest but most typical lake in Northern Italy. Surrounded by mountains, the lake waters reflect the borders of Omegna. Then, water flows into the river Nigoglia, which later rejoins stream Strona, and finally reaching Lake Major.
Omegna, must-see cultural places
In Omegna, you find several cultural and religious venues that are worth visiting. Among these, the Parish of San Gaudenzio in Crusinallo, the most populated district of Omegna. Following
In Omegna, you can find several cultural and religious venues that are worth visiting. Among these, the Parish Church of San Gaudenzio is a must-see: you find it in Crusinallo, the most populous neighborhood in Omegna. In accordance with an ancient legend, the Church is considered as part of the 100 churches that Greek Missionary Saint Giulio founded. The original structure dates back to the eleventh century, as testified by the foundations of the first church and the basement of the bell tower. This church is built according to the principles of the Romanesque architectural style, even though the building was later widened and presents, as a consequence, some style modifications.
On a hill, right next to the church, we find the San Rocco Youth Ministry, also known as “Chiesa del Castello” (Castle Church). This latter rises on the ruins of an ancient medieval tower, which Counts of Crusinallo, part of “Da Castello” family, built.
Another impressive architectural work is the ancient bridge of Omegna. For a long period of time, the bridge was considered a Roman artifact. In reality, the structure is an ancient bridge dating back to the Sforza Visconti period, and was built only after 1490. Originally, two round-headed arches composed the bridge, but we hypothesize that a big mass fell down from the mountain in 1920 and burnt down the first arch.
Built around the eleventh century, the Porta la Valle, today called Porta Romana, is an historical structure of great value for Omegna. This structure represents what remains of the five gates which appeared on the city walls during the Middle Ages.
Then, the area of Omegna vaunts a great industrial past: the eighteenth century industrial settlement Ferriera (Ironworks) and Fabbricone Angeli-Frua (Angeli-Frua Manufacturing), which was a textile manufacturing company born in 1896, testify this. This latter was the result of the union between cotton mills and printing houses: of both settlements, people can still witness some architectural remains in Omegna, included the Angeli-Frua mill town.
The most suggestive promenade
As per what concerns nature and its beauties, Omegna offers several hiking trails and promenades to admire spectacular landscapes. One of these is the Anello di Quarna (Quarna Ring): an accessible itinerary that starts in Cireggio and goes back. Following the directions that lead people to the mule-track, going towards the Santuario della Madonna del Fontegno (Church of the Holy Mary of Fontegno),and is possible to admire the Belvedere di Quarna Sopra (The Viewpoint of Quarna Sopra), the artificial lake of Vorio, the small lakes of Nonio and the woods of maple and chestnut tree.
Bagnella-Nonio is another track that nature lovers can take while in Omegna. After walking up to Oira, the path continues and heads towards Nonio, where you can visit both the historical center and the Laghetti (little ponds). By crossing Brolo, then, you will return to the point where one started, Bagnella, where it is possible to stop for a picnic at La Boschina, a park area with the equipment and shades you need.
Another natural trail is the one connecting Omegna to Mottarone. The track starts with a wood and a viewpoint. Then, hikers can find Stream Manera and the Alpe della Barba (Alp of the Beard). Nature lovers can enter the birch tree, dubbed “Pian della Nave”(Plain of the Ship), and then move to reach the imposing granite rock of Omo. On the slopes of Mottarone, tourists can find Alp Mastrolino, from which you can enjoy a wonderful view on Omegna and Lake Orta.
