Arona
Description
Arona was originally a fief of the Borromeo family and, nowadays, the town has every right to be named the Gate to Lake Maggiore.
Its lakeside promenade is shaped by medieval and baroque architecture. Among the jewels of the town centre are the churches of the Santi Martiri and Santa Maria di Loreto. And there's always something going on Corso Cavour, the pedestrian precinct and main shopping street in the historic centre. The medieval trading centre of the Piazza del Popolo is particularly impressive; it is situated directly on the lakeside promenade and opens up to the lake.
Beyond the town the monumental statue of St Charles Borromeo rises up as its landmark; it is called San Carlone by the local people.
At 20,68 feet it is one of the largest statues in the world and thus an outstanding religious monument in the region around Lago Maggiore. It’s possible to climb all the way up to the top of the statue and to admire the fantastic view onto the surrounding landscape and the lake.
The statue is open for visitors every day, from 10 am to 6:30 pm. (note: open from Wednesday to Sunday until 30th June).
The entrance ticket to the statue and to the terrace is € 10, € 7 to the terrace.
Dogs are not allowed.
From Arona you can take the Lake Maggiore Navigation Boat Service and easily reach the medieval castle Rocca d’Angera, owned by the Borromeo family, which hosts the Museum of Dolls and Toys.
The castle is open from 10 a.m. to 5.30 pm. The entrance ticket is € 16,50 for adults and € 11 for children from 6 to 15 years old.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets online.
