A picturesque place for a lakeside stroll and a visit to its historic buildings. This cosy, attractive place has been on the prestigious list of Italy’s most beautiful towns (I Borghi più Belli d’Italia) since 2023
One of the last Lombard towns before the Swiss border, Maccagno is a small town in Varese province overlooking Lake Maggiore and framed by its mountains. Here you can relax to the sound of water lapping against the shore or strolling along the quiet cobbled streets of the town centre. Since 2023 it has been on the prestigious list of Italy’s most beautiful towns (I Borghi più Belli d’Italia), giving visitors the chance to explore its historic buildings. Its Madonna della Punta sanctuary is especially worthy of a visit. Built in the 1500s and then rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, the sanctuary affords exceptional views.
Its Parisi-Valle Civic Museum set out on a bridge built over the River Giona also merits a visit. Until 2 November it hosts The Soul of Matter. Eugenio Pellini exhibition showcasing thirty sculptures by this 19th-20th century artist native to Marchirolo, in Varese province. In addition to beaches equipped with playground, footpaths and a climbing gym, Maccagno is also site of Lake Delio, of glacial origin, situated at an altitude of over 900 metres, with its two dams. Its attractive position and pleasant winter temperatures on sunny slopes has meant orange, lemon and pomegranate farming over the years, as 17th century Milanese historian Paolo Morigia recounted.
