Omegna
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 17 February 2022
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The lakeside town of Omegna is situated in the Verbano Cusio Ossola Province, on the shores of Lake Orta. It has a population of around 15,000 residents and is located 150 kilometres north east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont.
Aside from its obvious attractions to tourists, it's home to two of Italy's most iconic brands: Bialetti and Alessi. |
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If you've spent any significant length of time in Italy, at one stage or another you'll have seen the Bialetti logo on one of the typical Italian coffee pots called a moka. Meanwhile Alessi are famous for their funky kitchenware which can be bought at an outlet store north of the town. The presence of these innovative brands is just another feather in the cap for Omegna whose pretty town centre is one of the most delightful in the region.
Omegna sits at the northern tip of Lake Orta which itself is just a short distance to the west of Lake Maggiore. Whilst Lake Orta is less famous and smaller than its neighbour, it can boast a series of beautiful lakeside locations of which Omegna is just one.
The centrepiece of the town centre is the area around the bridge that separates Lake Orta from the River Nigoglia. From the northern side of the bridge you can enjoy some lovely views along the river while from the opposite side you look out onto the lake. The elegant Comune di Omegna building with its columns marks one of the liveliest shopping areas of the town, while across the bridge on the eastern side you can take a pleasant walk along the lakeside promenade called the Lungolago Buozzi. The walk eventually reaches a small beach area and is preceded by rows of boats moored at the marina. Across on the western shore there's a similar, laid-back lakeside atmosphere and a public park which leads onto Lungolago Gramsci.
Most people that visit Lake Orta make a bee-line for its signature town Orta San Giulio and whilst that's perfectly understandable and to be encouraged, it's worth allowing a little extra time for Omegna as well which has fewer tourists and its own considerable charms.
Accommodation prices are also more competitive at this end of the lake and it's a sensible place in which to base yourself for an extended stay. From Omegna you can catch the Lake Orta ferry down to Orta San Giulio and the pretty little island that sits in the middle of the lake called Isola San Giulio. Most people miss the smaller town of Pella on the western shore but that's another great place to spend a day with great restaurants and some of the most dazzling blue water you can find around the lake.
Omegna sits at the northern tip of Lake Orta which itself is just a short distance to the west of Lake Maggiore. Whilst Lake Orta is less famous and smaller than its neighbour, it can boast a series of beautiful lakeside locations of which Omegna is just one.
The centrepiece of the town centre is the area around the bridge that separates Lake Orta from the River Nigoglia. From the northern side of the bridge you can enjoy some lovely views along the river while from the opposite side you look out onto the lake. The elegant Comune di Omegna building with its columns marks one of the liveliest shopping areas of the town, while across the bridge on the eastern side you can take a pleasant walk along the lakeside promenade called the Lungolago Buozzi. The walk eventually reaches a small beach area and is preceded by rows of boats moored at the marina. Across on the western shore there's a similar, laid-back lakeside atmosphere and a public park which leads onto Lungolago Gramsci.
Most people that visit Lake Orta make a bee-line for its signature town Orta San Giulio and whilst that's perfectly understandable and to be encouraged, it's worth allowing a little extra time for Omegna as well which has fewer tourists and its own considerable charms.
Accommodation prices are also more competitive at this end of the lake and it's a sensible place in which to base yourself for an extended stay. From Omegna you can catch the Lake Orta ferry down to Orta San Giulio and the pretty little island that sits in the middle of the lake called Isola San Giulio. Most people miss the smaller town of Pella on the western shore but that's another great place to spend a day with great restaurants and some of the most dazzling blue water you can find around the lake.
Comune di Omegna
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Province: Verbano Cusio Ossola
Region: Piedmont Population: 14,618 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 31 km² Elevation: 295 metres Highlights: lakeside promenades Market day: Thursday morning, Palazzo del Comune Close by: Orta San Giulio, Pella, Isola San Giulio, Ronco Marina Recommended accommodation: Croce Bianca |
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