1Arona, Lake Maggiore

Arona is a thoroughly charming lakeside town with a cobbled lakeside promenade off which lead narrow streets and alleyways lined with boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a passeggiata followed by an aperitivo one evening.

The town has a long history but it really came to prominence in the 16th century under the rule of the Borromeo family. The family figurehead, Carlo Borromeo, still dominates the town in the form of a giant 35 metre statue that sits atop the Sacro Monte di San Carlo. To reach it, take the path that leads from the central Piazza del Popolo in the heart of Arona. It’s worth climbing up inside the statue to enjoy the view over the lake that can be spied through his eyes and ears.

 

 

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