Mergozzo
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 31 December 2023
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The lakeside town of Mergozzo is situated within the Province of Verbano Cusio Ossola and stands at an elevation of 196 metres above sea level. It has a population of around 2,100 inhabitants.
The town belongs to the region of Piedmont and lies on the shores of the eponymous Lake Mergozzo which sits just to the north of Lake Maggiore and separated from it by the River Toce. |
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A quieter diversion away from Lake Maggiore
In fact it was the build-up of silt from the overflowing river that eventually created Lake Mergozzo which years ago used to be a part of the much larger Lake Maggiore. This topographical quirk has however produced a beautiful lake in its own right and a charming town lying on its shores.
This really is something of a secret escape from the more illustrious towns around Lake Maggiore and flies under the radar of most tourist guides. There's a strong sense of history in Mergozzo that starts in its beautiful Parrocchia di Santa Maria Assunta church with its inviting facade and peaceful courtyard.
Then just at the point when the main thoroughfare of Via Sempione becomes Via Roma, the historical aspect continues with the Museo Civico displaying archaeological artefacts.
This really is something of a secret escape from the more illustrious towns around Lake Maggiore and flies under the radar of most tourist guides. There's a strong sense of history in Mergozzo that starts in its beautiful Parrocchia di Santa Maria Assunta church with its inviting facade and peaceful courtyard.
Then just at the point when the main thoroughfare of Via Sempione becomes Via Roma, the historical aspect continues with the Museo Civico displaying archaeological artefacts.
Lakeside promenade
Via Roma eventually leads down to the lake and this is the most beautiful part of the town. Its long lakeside promenade is divided between two squares: Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Piazza Cavour.
At the point where these squares divide there's a famous elm tree that's 400 years old and completely hollow, earning it that much coveted "monumental tree of Piedmont" status that every sapling aspires to. Well ok, the tree is little more than a sideshow to the attractive lakeside where you'll find a number of shops, bars and restaurants.
Among those eateries incidentally is the Bar Ristorante Vecchio Olmo which means "Old Elm", just in case you had any difficulty locating the tree.
At the point where these squares divide there's a famous elm tree that's 400 years old and completely hollow, earning it that much coveted "monumental tree of Piedmont" status that every sapling aspires to. Well ok, the tree is little more than a sideshow to the attractive lakeside where you'll find a number of shops, bars and restaurants.
Among those eateries incidentally is the Bar Ristorante Vecchio Olmo which means "Old Elm", just in case you had any difficulty locating the tree.
Close to Mergozzo
This really is a lovely part of the world with a great deal to see in every direction. The first and most obvious attraction in the area is Lake Maggiore which is a 10 minute drive from Mergozzo but also accessible on foot via a scenic walking route called the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path).
From this western spur of the lake you can head east to the city of Verbania whose attractions include the wonderful Villa Taranto, recently voted (by myself) as the best garden in Italy. Or instead of taking the eastern road to Verbania, you can head south to the town of Stresa with its grandiose historic palazzi overlooking the Borromean Islands where further beautiful gardens can be found on Isola Bella and Isola Madre.
From this western spur of the lake you can head east to the city of Verbania whose attractions include the wonderful Villa Taranto, recently voted (by myself) as the best garden in Italy. Or instead of taking the eastern road to Verbania, you can head south to the town of Stresa with its grandiose historic palazzi overlooking the Borromean Islands where further beautiful gardens can be found on Isola Bella and Isola Madre.
North of Mergozzo
Directly north of Mergozzo are the vast swathes of the Val Grande National Park which can be enjoyed in conjunction with a visit to the historic town of Domodossola and its Sacro Monte (Sacred Mountain) overlooking it.
Then yet another option is to head south to Lake Orta where there are numerous charms including the lakeside towns of Omegna, Orta San Giulio and Pella with the crowning glory in the middle of the lake: Isola San Giulio.
Whilst having a rental a car is undoubtedly the best way to explore the area, Mergozzo does have the advantage of a train station at the edge of town, a ten minute walk from the lake. By train from Mergozzo it's just 12 minutes down to Stresa or half an hour up to Domodossola.
Then yet another option is to head south to Lake Orta where there are numerous charms including the lakeside towns of Omegna, Orta San Giulio and Pella with the crowning glory in the middle of the lake: Isola San Giulio.
Whilst having a rental a car is undoubtedly the best way to explore the area, Mergozzo does have the advantage of a train station at the edge of town, a ten minute walk from the lake. By train from Mergozzo it's just 12 minutes down to Stresa or half an hour up to Domodossola.
Comune di Mergozzo
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Province: Verbano Cusio Ossola
Region: Piedmont Population: 2,156 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 27 km² Elevation: 196 metres Highlights: Parrocchia di Santa Maria Assunta, promenade Close by: Feriolo, Verbania, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Stresa Recommended accommodation: Hotel Ristorante La Quartina |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Since: 2007
1 of 18 in Piedmont listed by Touring Club Italiano
Since: 2007
1 of 18 in Piedmont listed by Touring Club Italiano
