Verbania
Verbania is the most populous municipality and the capital of the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Piedmont region of north-west Italy. It lies on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, about 91 km north-west of Milan and some 40 km from Locarno across the Swiss border. A lakeside town shaped by gardens, villas and Alpine scenery, it is one of the principal centres of the Italian Lakes.
At a glance
- Type
- Comune (municipality), provincial capital
- Period
- Modern town formed in 1939 by the union of Intra and Pallanza
- Style
- Lakeside resort town with historic villas and botanical gardens
- Location
- Shore of Lake Maggiore, province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont, Italy
Overview
Verbania is the capital city of the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and the most populous comune in that province. It sits on the shore of Lake Maggiore, roughly 91 km north-west of Milan and about 40 km from Locarno in Switzerland. The town is one of the recognised gateways to the Italian Lakes and the surrounding Alpine valleys.
History
The modern municipality of Verbania was created in the twentieth century through the union of the previously separate lakeside communities of Intra and Pallanza, which give the town its distinctive two-centre character. Its name evokes Lacus Verbanus, the Latin name for Lake Maggiore. Over the following decades it grew into the administrative seat for its surrounding territory, eventually becoming the capital of the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.
What you see
Verbania spreads along the western shore of Lake Maggiore, with lakefront promenades, gardens and views across the water toward the Alps. The town is known for its lakeside villas and parks, set against the backdrop of the mountains that ring the northern end of the lake. Its waterfront setting and mild lake climate define the character of the historic centres of Intra and Pallanza.
Cultural significance
As the capital of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Verbania anchors a region long associated with the heritage of the Italian Lakes, a landscape that has drawn travellers, gardeners and writers for generations. Its position between Lombardy and Switzerland has made it a meeting point of cultures along one of northern Italy’s great lakes.
Practical information
Verbania is a populous town with year-round services, hotels and lakeside facilities. For opening times of specific gardens, villas and museums, check the official municipal and tourism websites before visiting.
Getting there
Verbania is reached by road from Milan (about 91 km) along the routes serving the western shore of Lake Maggiore, and by rail and lake ferry services that connect the towns around the lake. Locarno, in Switzerland, lies about 40 km to the north.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
Historical events at this place (1)
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