Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo and Ossola Valleys

                                                   Piedmont, Italy

.

              Castles, Towers and Walls: places of ancient views over lakes and mountains

Distretto Turistico dei Laghi is the official Tourism Board for information and promotion of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo and the Ossola Valleys in Piedmont, Italy.

                                        The romantic atmosphere of the Lakes, the grandeur of the Alps

With 4.6 million overnight visitors a year, 80% foreigner, the region is among the most relevant holiday destinations in Northern Italy, located within a short distance from Switzerland, Malpensa Int. Airport and the big cities of Milan and Turin.

Famous Lake Maggiore with the enchanted Borromeo Islands, the bewitching scenario of Lake Orta with mystic St. Jules Isle, peaceful little Lake Mergozzo: nature, art and historical jewels make it the ideal place for a modern Dolce Vita. Just nearby, the Ossola Valleys: forests, little stretches of water, imposing Mount Rosa, waterfalls and breath-taking parks... In just over an hour, from Mediterranean-flair lake lidos to the foot of the Alps major peaks! Combine then nature, art and history with outdoor, genuine food & wine, comfort at thermal resorts, shopping of real Made in Italy, and top-quality accommodation.

                                                    Live your most authentic Lago Maggiore Experience!

A B2B area full of business opportunities for tourism professionals

The Tourism Board Distretto dei Laghi invites international tour operators to join a series of bespoke professional events, specially designed to discover Castles, Towers and Walls belonging to the territory of Distretto Turistico dei Laghi.

Webinar on 26 February, 2026                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Your first scheduled appointment to learn more about the destination and the historical heritage of this Italian region

B2B Virtual Workshop on 11 March, 2026                                                                                                                                                                                                        A great opportunity for profitable meetings to create new relationships with interesting business partners of the Distretto Laghi area.
Easy to use digital platform with customised schedule of 1:1 virtual meetings with selected Suppliers focused on promoting experiential and cultural tourism between Lakes and Alps: top attractions, high-end accommodation, guides, incoming agencies

Fully hosted Famtrip from 8 to 11 April, 2026                                                                                                                                                                                            12 selected tour operators who have actively participated in both the webinar and the virtual workshop, will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive fam trip to experience first-hand one of the most sought-after holiday destinations of Northern Italy

In centuries past, certain locations here were chosen for their strategic positions as sites for castles, towers and walls to defend the territory. Today, these same places are revealed to be points of extraordinary landscape and cultural value, offering a contemporary view of our lakes and mountains.

In pursuit of towers and castles, travelers, in slow and green mode, alone or in company, can move between Lakes Maggiore, Mergozzo and Orta, up to the foothills of the Alps with the Ossola Valleys, to discover history, but also nature and landscapes.

Indeed, many of these sites can be reached by walking through woods and hills offering breathtaking panoramas or are located along historic routes towards the Alpine passes. Exploring these fortresses means discovering the deep roots of places that have witnessed centuries of history, offering authentic and evocative experiences, sometimes in areas protected by nature reserves, such as Colle di Mattarella in Domodossola or Colle di Buccione in Orta San Giulio, but more often off the beaten tourist track, reaching unusual places that are well worth discovering.

Visit our castles and fortifications to discover the Rocca Borromea Park in Arona, the Castles of Cannero between Cannero Riviera and Cannobio, the fortified village of Carmine Superiore in Cannobio, the Tower of Buccione in Orta San Giulio, the Visconti Castle and the Rocca in Vogogna, the Mattarella castle and tower in Domodossola, Palazzo Parasi and the Civic Tower in Cannobio, the tower of Feriolo in Baveno and the castle remains in Gravellona Toce, the Tower of Roldo in Montecrestese, the Schtei Hüs Fortified House in Formazza, the Ferrerio Tower in Piedimulera, the Battiggio Tower in Vanzone con San Carlo, the Varzo tower, sections of the medieval walls in Domodossola and the Croveo barrage in Baceno.

Welcome to a destination where time does not simply pass but is renewed: we are regenerating our heritage to offer you an authentic experience!

                                                                                                                www.distrettolaghi.it

Lake Tourism District Photo Archive – Photos by Marco Benedetto Cerini, Susy Mezzanotte

Promotional events realized within the Project “CASTELLI, TORRI E MURA Luoghi d’antichi sguardi su laghi e monti” of the Local Tourism Board Distretto Turistico dei Laghi, L.R. 14/2016 art. 21, Years 2025/2026.