Lake Maggiore’s historic steamer gets a new look
On Lake Maggiore, whose waters are suffused with elegance and tradition, the Piemonte steamer is getting ready for a new chapter in its long story. Built in 1904 by the Escher Wyss shipyard in Zurich, the Piemonte is the oldest steam ship still working. 51.20 metres long, with its characteristic paddle wheel propulsion, it has been a symbol of lake transport and Northern Italian cultural heritage for more than a century now. Twenty years on from its last refit the steamer is now back at the Arona shipyard for a new renovation, in view of a historic appointment. La Spezia’s Casa del Motore firm has been commissioned to do the work on the strength of funding of around 3.8 million euros from Ente Navigazione Laghi, sponsored by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
The work involves replacing its boilers with more efficient systems, a complex technical system refit and new interior décor. Refitting started in October 2023 and is scheduled to finish before the end of 2025. Once the training period is complete the Piemonte will be ready to get back to work.
Its return to active service is eagerly awaited by boat lovers, tourists and local institutions. Its future presence in the fleet is not simply a tribute to the history of Lake Maggiore transport but also sends out a powerful message regarding the importance of Italian cultural heritage as a whole.
