|
|
205 m asl - about 5000 inhabitants.
Facing the Borromean Islands, it is situated in both a lakeside and mountain
setting. It is characterized by precious examples of architecture, 19th
century villas and by the famous pink granite quarries; it is a site of
noteworthy antiquity, as can be seen from the Roman tablets on the facade
of the Parish church. The monumental complex of the provostry collegiate
church, in the town centre, includes the baptistery, whose original octagonal
structure dates back to the Palaeocristian age (5th century); Renaissance
frescoes inside.
The church, dedicated to Saint Jervis and Saint Protasio,
still bears intact the original 12th century facade, square of partially
plastered stone. Since the early 19th century, it has been a well-known
tourist resort, as shown by the beautiful villas of the surroundings among
which, villa Henfrey (now Branca), where Queen Victoria stayed, and villa
Fedora, which belonged to the composer Umberto Giordano. The quarrying
of the precious pink granite, still carried out today, reached its peak
in the early 20th century.
Some of the most important monuments in the
world have been made of this material. At 3 km from the town, we find FERIOL0,
a beautiful resort on a natural bay; once a stone-cutter and fishing village,
it is now mainly an open air tourist centre. Lake Maggiore Boat service.
For more information about hotels and campings in this town the Google Search is available
|
|
|