The district encompassing Lake Maggiore is both the prime source and the ideal context for our scents, as it extends over different countries and regions and features such diverse views and attractions as to cater for all tastes.
Like most lakes in the Pre-Alps of Italy, Lake Maggiore owes its life to an ancient glacier. Nonetheless, soundings taken along the lake have shown that the glacier actually eroded a previously existing river valley. A large part of the upper lake and its surroudings are part of Switzerland; framed by comparatively high Alpine peaks, they are characterized by sheer walls and craggy, steep-sided valleys. Locarno and Ascona are well-known international holiday resorts, and the many attractions of the area are equally renowned (Verzasca Dam, Locarno's Film Festival, the double-arch stone bridge at Lavertezzo).
The area where the river Ticino enters the lake (Bolle di Magadino) is a nature reserve, and so are the wetlands near Sesto Calende, where the river leaves the lake heading towards the Po valley. Actually, there are several other protected areas, like those of Fondotoce, the peat bogs of Mercurago and above all the Val Grande wilderness, the largest wilderness in Italy. People who love to spend a peaceful and relaxing holiday in touch with the still unspoilt nature cannot but find the Lake Maggiore district an ideal place; yet there are opportunities for all ó for instance, as the lake is surrounded by hills and mountains, winds blow quite quite often and quite steadily too, to the delight of sailboat and windsurf enthusiasts who can also profit from a number of dedicated schools in thevicinity.
The gulflike inlet near the middle of the lake is known all over the world for the small, picturesque islands (Isole Borromee) as well as for the classy holiday resorts along the shore: Pallanza, Stresa, Belgirate, Laveno, to which we must add Luino, Cannobio, Meina, AronaÖ In these towns many noble villas dating back to the belle Èpoque were subsequently converted into museums or luxury hotels. The climate is mild and allows Mediterranean (lemon and olive trees) and even tropical species to grow (palm trees, for instance); and indeed you will be able to visit a number of magnificent parks and luxuriant botanical gardens enjoying worldwide renown (Alpinia, Villa Taranto, San Pancrazio). The surrounding mountains offer a majestic view over the Alps and the Po valley.
Ancient castles full of historical recollections dot the shores of the lake; to name just a few, the strongholds of Arona and Angera date back to the Longobards, while the ancient fortifications known as Castelli di Cannero were used ó over a course of centuries ó by pirates, smugglers and even forgers. Most others are connected with the noble dynasties of Visconti and Borromeo, who played a major role in Italian history for several centuries; the house of Visconti ruled Milan for almost three hundered years while Charles Borromeo (later canonized) was cardinal archbishop of the same city. The 30-m statue of St. Charles in Arona, erected in 1698, was the tallest statue whose interior could be accessed until the completion of the Statue of Liberty in 1886.
Over the centuries, poets and noblemen have been enthralled by this magnificent body of water, which has also been a magnet for arts and spirituality: the period between the 14th and the 15th century saw the founding and development of several well-known devotional complexes, such as the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro (Leggiuno), Madonna del Sasso (overlooking Locarno, Switzerland) and the outstanding Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List.