Those who want to visit and discover Angera - Lago Maggiore - an ancient river port overlooking the water of the Verbano, will not be disappointed. The attractions of this town focus mainly on the world-famous Rocca di Angera, but there is no shortage of ideas for excursions in the surrounding area.
The Borromean Rocca in Angera is one of the most striking destinations for those planning to visit Lago Maggiore. The Rocca, a castle in Angera of medieval origin still preserved in its entirety, is situated on a limestone rock in a dominant position overlooking the lake. It is thanks to the House of Visconti that an ancient military post became a real Rocca with extension works that lasted decades. But it is the Borromeo family that are the real protagonist of the ancient and recent history of the Rocca di Angera, owning the structure as far back as 1449.
Today the Rocca di Angera is visited by tourists from all over the world. The complex consists of 5 architectural blocks: the Main or Castellana Tower, the Visconti Wing, the Borromeo Wing, the Scaligera Wing and the Tower of Giovanni Visconti. Inside, you should not miss the Hall of Justice, completely frescoed by the so-called "Master of Angera" who told the exploits of Archbishop Ottone Visconti. If you ask yourself, "Angera, what to see?" The Rocca di Angera is definitely worth considering.
In the Borromean Rocca of Angera also finds space another must-see gem. It is the Doll and Toy Museum, desired by Princess Bona Borromeo Arese, who founded it in 1988. This particular collection is the largest of its kind in Europe and includes dolls but also games, models and robots made between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The collections in the Rocca di Angera also include some 300 majolica pieces shown in the Mythology Room, which feature pieces of Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish origin. Another must-visit corner for collectors.
Rocca di Angera is not the only attraction in the area. Among the activities available, one is the excursion to the wildlife treasures of the Bruschera Oasis. Some 400 hectares of flooded forest are found here, one of the very few remaining examples in Lombardy. Lots of wildlife species can be found in this reserve: from the Mallard to the Moorhen, via the Kingfisher to the Grey Heron. In the small island of Partegora, which is always in the area and is accessible only by boat, there is a colony of cormorants. A richness that can be seen thanks to the many marked trails and walkways that are accessible to all.
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It was precisely in the area of the Bruschera Oasis that at the end of the 18th century a discovery of great historical value took place. The physicist Alessandro Volta, while visiting these very swamps, discovered a flammable gas and managed to isolate it. It was methane.
For those who like walking, a trip on the San Quirico loop, which winds for seven kilometers around Mount San Quirico, is recommended. A walk suitable for everyone, which partly turns into the Sentiero delle Erbe, or Herb Path, which is a trail where you can find many wild and medicinal herbs.
For those arriving from Milan, Angera can be reached via the Autostrada dei Laghi in the direction of Gravellona Toce. The exit is Sesto Calende, and thereafter by state highway 629. While those arriving from Turin, after the A4 highway, must take the A26 highway again in the direction of Gravellona Toce and then take the detour to the Autostrada dei Laghi once more towards Sesto Calende.
Lun - Ven 9/13 - 14/18 Sab 9/13 Domenica - Su appuntamento
Mon - Fri 9/13 - 14/18 Sat 9/13 Sunday - On appointment
Mo - Fr 9/13 - 14/18 Sa 9/13 Sonntag - Nach Vereinbarung