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Corso Repubblica, 28041 Arona NO, Italy, (April 2022)
Arona
Arona, a picturesque town in northern Italy, lies on the southwestern shore of Lake Maggiore, one of the country’s most enchanting lakes. Nestled in the Piedmont region, Arona combines natural beauty, historical charm, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a favourite destination for travellers seeking both tranquillity and culture. With its scenic lakeside promenade, elegant architecture, and welcoming spirit, Arona offers an authentic glimpse into Italian life away from the hustle of larger cities. Its mild climate and stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains create an ideal setting for exploration and leisure throughout the year.
The history of Arona stretches back to ancient times, with roots in the Roman era. Over the centuries, it grew into an important strategic and commercial centre thanks to its position along Lake Maggiore and its proximity to Milan and Switzerland. The city’s development was closely linked to the influential Borromeo family, whose presence shaped much of Arona’s cultural and architectural heritage. Among the most striking landmarks associated with this legacy is the colossal statue of San Carlo Borromeo, affectionately known as the “Sancarlone.” Standing more than thirty meters tall, this monumental bronze figure was completed in the seventeenth century and remains one of the tallest statues in the world. Visitors can even climb inside to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Arona’s historic centre is a delightful place to wander, filled with charming squares, lively cafés, and boutiques that reflect a blend of old-world elegance and contemporary life. Piazza del Popolo, overlooking the waterfront, serves as the town’s social heart, where residents and visitors gather to enjoy coffee, conversation, and the gentle rhythm of lake life. Nearby, the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto and other religious buildings display fine examples of Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture, offering insight into Arona’s spiritual and artistic traditions.
Beyond its cultural attractions, Arona is also a gateway to outdoor adventures. The lake invites activities such as sailing, swimming, and boating, while the nearby hills and natural parks offer scenic trails for hiking and cycling. The town’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring other destinations around Lake Maggiore, including the Borromean Islands, Stresa, and Verbania. Whether admired for its history, landscape, or peaceful charm, Arona captures the essence of northern Italy’s beauty, providing a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.
Worth a Visit
The Lungolago Caduti di Nassirya in Arona, Italy, is a scenic lakefront promenade nestled along the shores of Lake Maggiore. Named in solemn memory of the Italian military and civilians who lost their lives in the 2003 Nassiriya attack, this stretch of lakeside illustrates both remembrance and recreation in an elegant public setting. Stretching from the southern edge of Piazza del Popolo to the ferry terminal, the lungolago forms a beautifully maintained corridor offering panoramic views across the lake toward the Borromean Rocca of Angera. Visitors enjoy lush tree-lined pathways, flower-filled gardens, and thoughtfully placed fountains and benches that invite moments of relaxation and reflection.
Piazza del Popolo in Arona, set beautifully on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is the historical and social heart of this lakeside town in Piedmont. With views across the water toward the Rocca of Angera, the square is not only a scenic focal point but also a living tapestry of Arona’s medieval roots and civic evolution. Historically, the square, once known as Piazza Maggiore, served as the bustling medieval centre of Arona. Every Tuesday, among the arcade-supported porticoes of the harbour district, a lively market drew merchants and visitors from around the lake and neighbouring villages, facilitating trade, barter, and social exchange. Adjacent stood the Porto Militare or “del soccorso,” built in 1447 under Vitaliano Borromeo to protect the Rocca. A partially covered stone stairway known as the “Strada Segreta” climbed the cliff toward the fortress, a concealed route still partly visible today.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Piazza Duca d’Aosta to Via Cavour
Approximately 1.13 km – 0.70 miles
The walk starts in – Piazza Duca d’Aosta – Corso Repubblica – Lungolago Caduti di Nassirya – Viale Croce Rossa – Lungolago Caduti di Nassirya – Via Guglielmo Marconi – Via Graziano Ponzone – Via Cavou – Chiesa di Sant’Anna, Via Cavour – Via AI Teatro – Via Garelli – Piazza S. Graziano – Via Cesare Battisti – Via Cavour
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Piazza del Popolo to Corso Liberazione
Approximately 1.07 km – 0.67 miles
The walk starts in – Piazza del Popolo – Via Poli – Piazza del Popolo – Via Cavour – Via Pertossi – Via del Forno – Via Federico Borromeo – Via S. Carlo – Collegiata di Santa Maria Nascent, Via S. Carlo – Viale Berrini – Corso Liberazione
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