Mergozzo: Lakeshore, Trails and Local History

Lakeshore and townscape

There are many beaches suitable for swimming on Lake Mergozzo. The water of Lake Mergozzo is considered among the clearest in Italy. On the Mergozzo waterfront, the houses in the “Riva” district are arranged in an amphitheatre. The arrangement is reminiscent of the tiers of an amphitheatre. The centuries-old elm tree is a symbol of Mergozzo.

Trails with clear requirements

Municipal Itinerary 4 runs from Bracchio to the megalithic complex “Cà d’la Norma”. The easy archaeological and nature trail is 3 km long; walking time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Both the ascent and descent are 30 m. Itinerary 4 is recommended for every season.

The Montorfano via ferrata is classified as difficulty grade D – difficult – and includes very exposed sections. The Montorfano via ferrata requires particular confidence at heights and a via ferrata set. Access to the Montorfano via ferrata can begin at the Mergozzo lakeshore via Trail A58; Trail A58 leads to the via ferrata in about one hour. A via ferrata is a secured route on rock on which a via ferrata set is used.

Churches and granite history

The Chiesa Parrocchiale della Beata Vergine Assunta was inaugurated in 1610 on the site of an existing Romanesque church. The Romanesque church is documented in a record dating from 1133.

The thirteen Cappelle della Via Crucis were built in 1821 and restored between 2002 and 2005. The restoration revealed the original colours of the 18th century.

The Mu.Ma.G. Museo del Marmo Rosa e del Granito is located in Albo di Mergozzo, Via Francia 29. The Museo Archeologico is located in Mergozzo at Via Roma 8.

The Ecomuseo del Granito di Montorfano covers the entire area of Mergozzo and the surrounding areas, including the extraction areas for Candoglia marble, as well as the white granite of Montorfano, the green granite of Mergozzo and the pink granite of Baveno. Accordingly, various types of rock and their extraction areas in the town and neighbouring areas are the main focus.

The old village of Sasso is grouped around a building from the era of the communes known as the “Castello”. The Chiesa di San Graziano is located on Via S. Graziano in the hamlet of Candoglia.

Orientation and getting there

For orientation when travelling to Mergozzo, bus route 5 Verbania–Domodossola stops in Mergozzo. Mergozzo also has a railway station on the line to Domodossola. This provides concrete reference points for planning your visit, both on the lakeshore and for trails, museums, churches and the historic districts.

Further destinations for your planning: Verbania, Bracchio, Traffiume, Quarna Sopra, Bognanco, Beé, Premia, San Domenico

For the higher-level travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.