What to see and what to do in Belgirate

Belgirate is a village located on the shores of Lake Maggiore on the slopes of the "Motta Rossa '' hill. It is characterized by a charming historic center that still bears traces of its medieval origins.

The alleys still preserve the taste of the old Lombard center, with precious loggias and arcades that appear here and there between the houses.

What should be seen and visited in Belgirate

The villas of Belgirate

In this area the villas dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries still dominate, surrounded by majestic parks and well-kept gardens.

Coming from the south, you will find Villa Conelli with its Italian garden and then Villa Cairoli in the neoclassical style where Giuseppe Garibaldi also stayed.

Then there is the Villa Carlotta, now used as a hotel, which welcomed Guido Gozzano, Antonio Rosmini and Alessandro Manzoni, and lastly the Villa Fontana and Treves.

The Meina Museum

Ideal for families, the Meina Museum was created at the request of the Faraggiana family who built their summer home in Meina in 1852. Today it occupies a part of the Villa and consists of a liberty chalet-museum, some greenhouses with a lookout tower, a building known as the “ex-laundry” and a park where numerous botanical species live with a view of Lake Maggiore.

From the discovery of insects, butterflies, dragonflies and bees coming from this area to multimedia playful paths, from a splendid park available for games and digital treasure hunts, the Museum offers a wide range of activities for children of all ages, for a day dedicated to fun and relaxation.

What to do in and around Belgirate

• A walk to Monte Croce: a breathtaking view can be enjoyed once you reach the top. This is a quiet walk of about one hour that starts from Calogna, leaving the village in the direction of Comnago. A slightly uphill, but well signposted road leads to a clearing with the beautiful church of "Santa Cristina''. From the top, the sight extends from the "Rocca d'Angera '' to the lakes of Varèse and Monate, from Vergante to the most hidden mountains.
• Visit the Church of S.Maria: definitely not to be missed is the ancient Church dedicated to Santa Maria, which still retains the original Romanesque bell tower and the seventeenth-century portico. Inside, you will be able to admire the magnificent frescoes of unknown artists of the Piedmont school, including the representation of Saint Uguccione on the right side of the entrance. The altar dates from the Baroque period and stands out for its gilded carving and it is decorated with a splendid frontal. In the summer, the church often hosts classical music concerts, such as the Stresa Music Weeks.

Tips about where to sleep in Belgirate

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

How to get to Belgirate

It is possible to reach Belgirate:

• by car:
  • from Milan, take the motorway towards Gravellona Toce, Castelletto Ticino exit. Continue for the S.S. 33 of the Simplon
  • from Genoa / Turin, take the A26 motorway towards Gravellona Toce, Arona exit. Continue for the S.S. 33 of the Simplon
• by train: Milan - Domodossola line. At Belgirate station only regional trains stop while for interregional connections refer to Stresa station