On the Lombard shore, the town is immersed in greenery and offers pearls such as the mausoleum, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, and by Palladian villas
Ispra, a small town on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore, lies directly across from another well-known village in the area, Lesa, on the Piedmont side. Picturesque and peaceful, Ispra attracts both Italian and international visitors – especially in summer – who are drawn to its unspoiled charm.
VILLAS TO ADMIRE
Here you’ll find no shortage of highly prestigious elegant villas, such as Villa Rocchetta, built in 1935 for Elena Consonno and now used for receptions and weddings; Villa Ranci Ortigosa De Corti; Villa Sagramoso Brivio, built between the town centre and the lake during the 19th century; and Villa Quassa, where General Luigi Cadorna—best known, albeit infamously, for the defeat of Caporetto—spent his childhood. Villa Quassa boasts one of the largest parks on Lake Maggiore, featuring magnificent, centuries-old trees. Even Ispra’s town hall, located in the centre of the village, is surrounded by the romantic park of Villa Castelli. Like its neighbouring towns, Ispra once played a key role in lime production and processing. For this reason, the ancient kilns — large brick furnaces once used to fire limestone into lime — can still be seen today. The town’s proximity to the lake was crucial, as this material was transported by boat all the way to Milan. Also noteworthy is the Castelbarco Mausoleum, located opposite the cemetery. Its design is partly reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome and partly of Palladian villas, especially Villa Capra in the Vicenza area. The structure features a white granite exterior and a red granite interior. Outside the mausoleum, a staircase leads directly down to the lakeside promenade. The Passeggiata dell’Amore (Lovers’ Walk) on the lakefront is highly recommended to lovers and other visitors seeking a peaceful stroll.
LOVERS’ WALK
This trail, part of the Anello delle Fornaci (Ring of the Kilns), winds between two hills — Monte del Prete and Monte Nassi — creating romantic coves and rocky slopes. This short yet evocative route — just two kilometres long — offers spectacular views of the lake and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the poetry of love. The Anello delle Fornaci itself is a loop roughly four kilometres long that reveals the area’s early industrial history: the production of lime, ceramics, and bricks. T
The first flat stretch gives way to steeper sections with steps of varying height, requiring some caution along the way. Upon reaching the Fornace del Pinett, a panoramic view opens up over the Bay of Ispra. Its distinctive walkway and small harbour plunge visitors into a quiet, almost hidden world. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the Fornace della Punta offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere. From here, the trail climbs up steeply through the greenery until it reaches a scenic viewpoint. Returning to the point known as “La Brela,” you’ll find yourself once again on the lakeshore, where you can enjoy a picnic, take in the scenery, and relax on the small beach with a drink from the nearby cafe.
