From Laveno, throught the cableway, it is possible to reach the summit of Sasso del Ferro from which you can admire an extraordinary view on Lake Maggiore, Alps, Po Valley and the other lombard lakes. The ideal trip for who loves breathtaking views and for who want to pass a relaxing day surrounded by nature. The Luckiest ones will also attend the jump of hang-gliders starting their flight. It is advisable to book your visit in the warmest periods of the year in order to guarantee the opening.
Further informations can be found at www.funiviedellagomaggiore.it
It is said that, in 1200 A.D., a wealthy merchant (someone says moneylender) Alberto Besozzi, during a crossing was surprised by a cloudburst. To survive he made a vow to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The Blessed menaged to reach the coast just at the point where he built a chapel in honour of the Saint and he started living there as a hermit.
Forward, the site was enriched with two other churches, the first dedicated to Saint Nicola and the second to Saint Maria Nova
At the beginning of the eighteenth century five boulders ruched to the church but remained suspended in the vault of a chapel, fortunately without damages. The boulders remained there for nearly two centuries and they were remoded in 1910.
It seems that this event helped to complete the name of the place ( Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro ) althought “Ballaro” is probably due to the near suburb “Ballarate”.
Further informations can be found at the official site.
The cove that starts from the mouth of the river Toce and reaches the towns of Verbania and Stresa is called “Borromean Gulf” in honor of the family who, since the sixteenth century, became the owner of the islands, except Isola dei Pescatori, turning them into masterpieces which are still visited by thousands of tourists.
Info
Further informations can be found at the official site.
How to reach
From Laveno take the ferryboat to Intra and then take the boat to the islands
The red roses of the hostel
Walking on the shore of Lake Maggiore
Caldè: the "Portofino" of Lake Maggiore
Sport end relax at the hostel
Museum of Ceramics - Cerro di Laveno
Laveno's geese
The Borromeo Island - Stresa
The Rocca of Angera
Cerro di Laveno's beach
Bookcrossing in the hostel
Fireworks in Laveno
Artistic hostel
Almost ready to harvest
The hostel's plums
Santa Caterina del Sasso - Leggiuno
Villa Taranto - Verbania