A lakeside town on Lago Maggiore with a 35-meter bronze statue of San Carlo Borromeo, built in 1698. Local cafes line the historic center's cobblestone streets.
Arona, a town on Lake Maggiore's western shore, welcomes visitors with its medieval Piazza del Popolo, waterfront cafes, and the 35-meter bronze statue of Saint Charles Borromeo. You can swim at Le Rocchette beach, walk through the ruins of a medieval castle, or take boat trips across the lake. Located 25 kilometers from Milan's Malpensa Airport, Arona serves as a gateway to Lake Maggiore's towns and villages.
Climbing the Colossal Sancarlone
The 35.10-meter bronze statue of Saint Charles Borromeo (Sancarlone) dominates the hillside above Arona. Built between 1614 and 1698, it remained the world's tallest bronze standing statue until the Statue of Liberty. You can climb the original internal ladders to reach viewing points in the saint's eyes and nostrils, giving you views across Lake Maggiore and the Alps. Visit the three chapels at the base, along with a 17th-century basilica and the former Archbishop's Palace.
Walking Through La Rocca Park
La Rocca park occupies the site of Arona's former castle, which fell to Napoleon's army in the early 19th century. The park, managed by the Borromeo family, includes several animal enclosures scattered among castle ruins and stone walls. You'll find local families taking afternoon walks or having picnics under the trees, especially on weekends.
Swimming and Lakeside Activities
Walk along the Lungolago promenade to see the Rocca Borromeo di Angera castle across the water. Le Rocchette beach near Piazza del Popolo has large rocks forming sheltered spots for swimming in Lake Maggiore. The promenade above the beach leads to several cafes and ice cream shops where you can stop for refreshments.
Getting Around Lake Maggiore
Take boats and hydrofoils from Arona's port to explore towns along both shores, all the way to Locarno in Switzerland. The drive to Milan takes about 50 minutes via the Castelletto Ticino motorway exit. Regular trains connect to Milan and Switzerland through Domodossola, while local buses run to nearby villages like Dagnente and Mercurago.
Exploring Lagoni Park
In Mercurago's Lagoni Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011, you can walk through peat bogs, horse breeding grounds, and wooded areas. The park contains Bronze Age artifacts, including some of Europe's oldest wooden wheels. Follow the marked trails through different environments to spot local wildlife and thoroughbred horses grazing in the pastures.
