What to see and what to do in Arona

Arona is a pretty town located on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, it contains a remarkable historical and naturalistic heritage of undoubted beauty.

it is impossible not to be delighted while walking along its famous pedestrian street, along the lake or going through the internal streets rich in history.

What should be seen and visited in Arona

Rocca Borromea of Arona

The Rocca of Arona has its origins with the first permanent establishments dating from the late Bronze Age. Written documents report that between the eleventh and twelfth centuries it was the refuge of the archbishops of the diocese of Milan fleeing the city, while 1277 marks the beginning of the Visconti dominion which lasted for almost two hundred years. Still besieged by foreign powers, the signs of what used to be a major fortress are still visible among its ruins.

Right here, in 1538, San Carlo was born and it is still possible to identify the place of the alleged room. Today the park and some ruins that have been redeveloped and made safe can be visited. From that position you can also enjoy a splendid view of Lake Maggiore.

Arona Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Arona, inaugurated in 1997, brings together the archaeological findings of the city and Basso Verbano. Among the finds, there is also the important pile-dwelling station of the Lagoni di Mercurago, finds from the Roman and medieval times, as well as an extensive didactic proposal.

Arona churches

You are spoiled for choice because Arona offers a lot from this point of view. From the splendid Collegiate Church, the parish church, in Byzantine-Gothic style, to the church of Santa Maria di Loreto with the splendid staircase and the baroque altar, to the pretty little church of San Giuseppe of fifteenth-century origins.

Things to do in Arona and its surroundings

• Shopping in the streets of the historic center: The city is a concentrate of shops which often attracts tourists on Sundays for the classic stroll in the center. In fact, although it is small, it has nothing to envy, in terms of supply, to the historic centers of the most famous cities
• Retrace the streets of Felice Cavallotti: the Felice Cavallotti route represents the cultural recovery of a fundamental part of the history, literature and customs of the territory of Arona and the splendid hamlet of Dagnente. It starts from the Arona railway station, runs along the Arona-Dagnente road and then focuses on some of the stops that Cavallotti used to go to: the church, the house, the hill, the old tavern
• visit the San Carlone: located not far from downtown, the San Carlone is the famous statue which takes its name from the Sacro Monte di S. Carlo, built following the canonization of Archbishop Borromeo in 1610. The original plan consisted of 15 chapels which, however, were never built. Only the statue was erected, 23.40 meters high, which was the inspiration for the construction of The Statue of Liberty. The work was finished in 84 years of work. The interior can be visited by climbing a narrow staircase up to the top (the head). From the eyes and ears you will be able to admire the magnificent panorama.
• visit the Lagoni di Mercurago park: it is a protected area since 1980 which includes a peat bog, pastures dedicated to horse breeding and woods. It can be reached from Mercurago starting from the headquarters in the visitors center or from Dormelletto, Comignago or Oleggio Castello. It has a dense network of trails, perfect for hiking in nature as it preserves a wide range of different ecosystems, interesting in all seasons. Entry is not allowed for motor vehicles and guided visits can be reserved at the Visitor Centre.

Tips about where to stay in Arona

These are just some of the accommodation facilities in Arona. You can find all the hotels, B & Bs and campsites where you can spend a stay or a holiday in Arona on Lake Maggiore here.

How to get to Arona

You can reach Arona:

• by car: A8 Milano Laghi motorway towards Lake Maggiore, join the A26 Genova - Gravellona Toce towards Gravellona Toce, exit ARONA
• by train: Arona station serves the Domodossola-Arona-Milano Centrale, Arona-Novara, Santhià-Arona lines