Ispra

Some of the more than ten furnaces that were active until the first half of the twentieth century are still visible along what is called the Ring of the Furnaces, which is walkable and starts and returns right from Ispra's lakefront.

In addition to that of the kilns, another path that starts from the lakefront is the so-called Walk of Love, a scenic route that, from the boat dock, skirts the sand and gravel beach, passes a nineteenth-century dock with a metal bridge and, after a few rocks, takes a footbridge built against the rock, suspended over the waters of the lake, to end where the area of the kilns begins.

Ispra, however, is also known for the architecture of its villas. Villa Rocchetta, built in 1935, Villa Ranci Ortigosa De Corti, located between the town and the lake, the 19th-century Villa Sagramoso Brivio and Villa Quassa, where Luigi Cadorna spent his childhood, are evidence of early forms of lakeside vacationing.

Another distinctive monument in Ispra is the Castelbarco Funeral Monument. Built in a dominant position above a slope opposite the cemetery, it is a building with an octagonal plan, a columned pronaos topped by a neoclassical-style gable, and a large dome, covering the upper chapel. The underground chapel, on the other hand, houses the sarcophagus of the noblewoman Antonietta Albani in Castelbarco.

Finally, south of the town of Ispra, there is the Golfo della Quassa Park. This is a wonderful green area located behind an inlet, which, among other things, is home to some lovely beaches, which in fine weather are worth a stop for a swim. The park is a relaxing oasis that offers several opportunities for recreation and, as we shall see, outdoor practice. An itinerary allows you to explore the Bosco della Quassa and, following a charming tree-lined avenue, to arrive at Ispra's lakefront, which offers splendid views of the Monte Rosa group.

Because of its location, Ispra is a strategic point for exploring the towns on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, but also Lake Varese and the provincial capital itself, which is about a half-hour drive away.

Indeed, there are some delightful villages along the shores of the lake, with historic centers that are interesting to discover: Angera, for example, is worth a visit for its tangle of medieval alleys, but especially for the fortress perched on the hill, which dominates the lake from an enviable position. The town of Laveno-Mombello, on the other hand, is known for Villa De Angeli Frua, an eighteenth-century mansion, but also for the possibility of taking the gondola with which you can reach the top of Mount Sasso del Ferro, from where you can admire a unique panorama of Lake Maggiore.

A few kilometers behind Ispra, however, lies another lake: Lake Varese. With its characteristic shoe-like shape, it has the peculiarity of having an island within it, Isolino Virginia.

Proceeding beyond the lake, one arrives in Varese. The historic center of the provincial capital is charming, full of arcaded streets and villas with gardens. For this, it is also nicknamed the "Garden City." Among others worth mentioning are Villa Mirabello, which houses the Archaeological Museum, and Villa Menafoglio, inside which is the Panza Collection of contemporary art.

For cycling enthusiasts, we recommend a route of about 36 km that runs from Ispra to Sesto Calende, either skirting the lake or plunging into the hilly hinterland.

The more well-trained equipped with a road bike can take the Lake Maggiore tour, a route of more than 160 km between Switzerland and Italy that allows you to pedal almost always parallel to the lake, offering wonderful views.