A gem of industrial hydroengineering, Panperduto represents an area of great interest to make visitors aware of cultural, historical, agricultural and environmental heritage.  Located on the banks of the Ticino river, at Somma Lombardo along the European E1 trail and a few kilometres away from the Lago Maggiore and Milan, Panperduto is a place rich of history and culture. The old residence of the dam workers has been authentically restructured and today welcomes tourists following the cycleways, footpaths and points of interest along the water courses. There is accommodation available with the opportunity to take guided tours of the whole complex, from the river confluence to the museum of the Italo-Swiss watercourses including a garden of interactive water games, to the migratory passage for fish and the beautiful trails immersed in the Ticino nature reserve. INFO  ADDRESS: Via Lungo Canale Villoresi, 4 - Somma Lombardo OPENING HOURS: guided tours every Sunday of may at 3.30 pm and from june every Sunday and holidays, at 5.00 pm TICKETS: € 6 (free entry for kids under 10 yo). AROUND HERE: Plan your stay and your experience in the land of the lakes.

Laveno is the one of the main touristic towns of the lombardian side of lake Maggiore, it is well known for its marina, link to the piemontese side. It is situated between the blue of the lake and the green of the surrounding mountains, including the important Monte Sasso del Ferro, known for the old cableway that takes people to the top. Laveno is also important for the production of porcelains and ceramics.   Dog of all sizes allowed in leasch also on the lakefront in compliance with the hygiene and public safety rules* *Information by the Local Municipality. For any other question please check the guidelines from the Municipalities  MUST SEE: AROUND HERE: Plan your stay and your experience in the land of the lakes.

In Vercurago, the places of Lucia and the Promessi Sposi

Abbazia di Sant’Alberto da Butrio, near Ponte Nizza, was founded by hermit saint Alberto of Butrio in the 11th century on the summit of a limestone outcrop and soon became a Benedictine closed order. A painting inside shows the miracle performed by the saint in the presence of the Pope and three cardinals with which he proved that he had not committed the sin of breaking his fast as accused. In the surrounding area, the historic Pieve church of San Ponzo has a surviving attractive medieval plan with a beautiful church. It is for this reason that Ponte Nizza is a religious tourism destination.

Montalto Pavese has a very fine sixteenth century castle, one of the best conserved in the region. The castle's beautiful furniture from a range of periods bears witness to the historical events it has witnessed and it is set into a beautiful scenario.   Photo: Gianni Santolin

Cigognola is visible from a long way away. The castle's tower dominates the valley and from the top of the hill it seems to be welcoming visitors. On especially clear days you can see the Alpine mountain valleys and the Mt. Rosa massif.

On the 20th of May 1859 the Piedmontese light cavalry and French infantry fought at Montebello against the 5th Austrian army defeating it definitively. The battle was so important that it lead very soon to the creation of the Lancieri di Montebello regiment.

The Castle is a splendid building dating from the seventeenth century, now considerably and tastefully rebuilt. Attacked by the Guelfs and the Ghibellines in various eras, it has changed hands repeatedly: from the Visconti to the Sforza, to the Strozzi, the Taverna and the Belcredi, and is now an attractive venue for public and private events.

Canneto Pavese is located at one of the most panoramic points in the area and split up into tiny villages dotted over the peaks of the small round hills between the left bank of the Versa stream and the ridge of the slopes over the right bank of the Scuropasso stream.

In the second half of the 19th century wine making began to play an important role in the local economy and make its presence felt on the landscape as something of a monoculture. Today Montecalvo Versiggia is the foremost of the Oltrepò towns in Pinot growing together with Rocca de' Giorgi and Canevino. The original Corkscrew Museum is worth a visit.

Depicted in the Montescano heraldic coat of arms, eighteenth century Fontana Missaga is fed by the waters of the nearby torrent of the same name and called after Carlo Missaga, Montescano's first mayor after Italian unification. Popular traditions attribute it with special properties and as an elixir of long life in particular. Photo: Comune di Montescano

In the early twentieth century a vineyard site was identified in the area which rises from Rocca de' Giorgi in the direction of Montecalvo Versiggia which has turned out to be the best zone for Pinot Noir and sparkling wine grape growing.