Verbania, the city called “garden by the Lake.”
Discover Verbania and its surrounding areas. Lake Orta and Lake Major’s proximity and its mild Climate make of Verbania one of the most beautiful places in Piedmont.
In 1939, when Intra and Pallanza merged, Verbania was born. Is the biggest city center on Lake Major and the administrative center of the district of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.
Thanks to the spectacular gardens and mansions, is also known as “the Garden on the Lake.”
Different villages compose Verbania. These villages are present both lakeside and hillside and offer hiking opportunities for all tastes. Verbania spreads from the lake to the hinterland, from Parco Nazionale Val Grande to Mount Rosa and the Ossola Valley.
Thanks to its privileged geographic position and its climate, Verbania is a famous and beloved destination for tourists coming from all over the world.
The History and Geography of a “Young City”
Benito Mussolini decided on the foundation of the city of Verbania, that was born on April 4th, 1939.
The name Verbania is a calque of the Latin Lago Verbanus, namely the ancient name of Lake Major.
Today, with more than 30,500 inhabitants, is the most populous center of the whole Lake Major area.
Is a triangle-shaped territory that stretches up to the middle of the Lake. The high end of the city reaches 693 meters with the peak of Mount Rosso.
Indeed, Verbania extends on a large surface, which translates into the city occupying a long stretch of the Piedmont shore of Lake Major.
What to see
Noble and historical families built several mansions over the years, which still attract the attention of Italian and foreign tourists.
Among these, the eighteen-hundred Villa Taranto is a must-see. Scottish Mr. McEacharn was the last owner of the villa, which he decided to donate, together with its beautiful gardens, to the municipality. Villa Taranto hosts several different species of European and exotic plants, which makes this Villa one of the favorite attractions of Verbania.
Another mansion to check is certainly Villa San Remigio, which you can find next to the anonymous Parish, built during the twelfth century. Spectacular and invaluable frescos decorate the Villa.
The historical center hosts Palazzo Dugnani, an amazing example of baroque architecture, which guests the Museum of Verbania and Landscape. Besides, another venue to check is the San Vittore Basilica, which sits in the same area where a fourteen-hundred Christian church was present. After the proclamation of San Vittore as the patron of Verbania in 1992, the church became the main church of the city.
The Wonderful Surrounding Landscapes
On the outskirts of Verbania, several venues and buildings are present and worth visiting. We cannot but cite the Borromean Islands and all the tiny towns around Lake Major, just like Stresa, where the ferries directed to the Island leave.
If you look at the Borromean Gulf, you can spot the Isola Madre, which, even though it is part of Stresa is closer to Verbania, the Isola Bella, and the Isola Dei Pescatori. Right ahead of the promontory of Castagnola you can find the little island of San Giovanni, which is just a few kilometers away from the coast and another property of Borromeo.
Events
Verbania hosts several recurring events, which nature lovers particularly like. The city dedicates some weeks to tulips, orchids, azalea, and camellia. These events are possible thanks to the mild climate of the area and usually end with the Corso Fiorito, a parade float that takes place during the first Sunday of September.
In the summer, tourists can enjoy concerts, races, outdoor film festivals, and sports competitions. These events meet the expectations of children and adults and make of Verbania one of the favorite destinations in Piedmont and beyond.