28922 Verbania, Italy
tel: +39 0323 509711
fax: +39 0323 556379
info@grandhotelmajestic.it
P.IVA 00120340039
AROUND THE MAJESTIC
Of course when you think Verbania-Cusio-Ossola, you think scenery. Because that's what first strikes you.
Nobody could remain unmoved by the landscape - it's that kind of a place. But another way of viewing VCO
is as a backdrop to exactly the sort of holiday you want - from passive pampering to active exertion,
or a bit of everything.
Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is such a wealth of great places to visit, you may need to come again! Ranging
from the unspoiled charm of sublime spectacular mountain peaks to the stunning panoramas of lakes
Maggiore, Mergozzo and Orta. and many other fascinating diverse landscapes, some of the most beautiful
places in the Piemonte region are within the immediate vicinity of The Grand Hotel Majestic di Pallanza.
And not only! Switzerland, with the picturesque lakeside towns Locarno and Ascona, is just a mere 40 km
away along the scenic coastal road. As an alternative take the Lake Maggiore Express and experience an
unforgettably delightful, one day excursion trip crossing Lago Maggiore, Switzerland, Valley Vigezzo and
the Centovalli by train and ferry.
Another essential stop while in Verbania is the beautiful, Borromeo Gulf, and its “three "pearls" easily
reached by ferryboat or private boat: Isola Madre and Isola Bella known worldwide for their magnificent gardens,
botanical parks and sumptuous palaces rich period furniture and works of art, the Upper Island, better known
as Isola dei Pescatori, highlighting the traditional occupation, which the inhabitants are devoted to, has a
network of picturesque alleys of typical white houses interspersed with quaint little shops and popular restaurants.
The islands are located opposite the famous town of Stresa, where you can visit Villa Pallavicini -a beautiful park
with great views, stunning gardens and wild animals from all corners of the globe for all to see! You can pet and feed
the goats and sheep. Visit the nearby Alpinia gardens on the Mottarone mountainside. Mottarone is situated between Lake
Maggiore and Lake Orta,, and is reached in 20 minutes from Stresa by cable , offering breathtaking views from the
summit: seven lakes (Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Varese, Lake Camabbio, Lake Monate, Lake Biandronno)
the Po Valley, Monte Rosa and the Alps.
Last but not least, nature lovers must not miss a visit to the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto, the floral attraction
par excellence of Lake Maggiore, has more than 20,000 plants, 80,000 species flowers and spectacular pools of water
lilies and victoria Amazon.
Moving towards the Cusio area, the atmosphere in the medieval village of Orta is truly magical, A town rich in history
with its splendid palaces, baroque churches and ancient towers. Strolling along a narrow cobbled street you enter the
square, where a small boat awaits to take you to the private island of San Giulio which houses the Basilica dedicated
to St. Anthony and a convent of nuns dedicated to the restoration of antique textiles.
On the Ossola border, visit Mergozzo Lake, a haven of peace and clean waters, whose namesake village has preserved
its charm throughout time.
As you approach the mountains, stone becomes the predominant building material, and even today Mergozzo reflects the
ancient story of "picasass" (the masons). stone craftsmanship is indeed a historical feature of these mountains. Many
local companies still specialise in high quality stone production and products.
An attractive 30 minute drive from the Grand Hotel Majestic depending on the traffic of course, we reach Domodossola,
the most important locality of the Ossola valley. Its Medieval centre and pretty marketplace are really worth a mention.
Going up the surrounding valleys, trekking enthusiasts will find a myriad of trails with varying degrees of difficulty,
beautiful trails dotted with alpine lakes and protected areas such as the National Park of Val Grande, the largest wilderness
area in Italy, Veglia –Devero National Parks and the Valley Antrona National Park.
However, it’s worth exploring some of the mountain villages even just for a quiet walk, or to taste some of the local products,
in an environment where time seems to have stood still.
The Cascata del Toce. is a prominent landmark of the Valley Formazza A completely unspoiled and outstanding natural beauty
It is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in Europe, with a verticle drop of 145 metres It can
be reached departing from the Valley Formazza, which, together with Macugnaga, is well-known for its typical wooden houses
of Walser civilization. Macugnaga, is renowned for winter sports and is situated at the foot of the famous east face of Monte
Rosa. The Italian answer to the Himalaya. Experienced mountaineers who wish to challenge the “giant” reach the shelter which
is the highest on the continent “ the Capanna Regina Margherita” on the summit of Mount Ghifetti (4554 m), with the sensation
of being on top of the world.
More gentle sloping mountains can be found in Valley Vigezzo, a land of artists and chimney sweeps, where the typical rural
architecture in wood and stone gives way to high-class villas.
Visit Premia, a small mountain village, better known for its ultra-modern Spa centre boasting a new wellness area and a
therapeutic area. It’s is a sure way to relax, unwind and enjoy the peaceful and luxurious surroundings.
A path between art and religion is the one that runs between the three monumental complex; of “The Sacred Mountains”, Sacro
Monte of San Francesco in Orta , The Holy Trinity in Ghiffa, and Mount Calvary in Domodossola. Consisting of magnificent fresco
chapels built mainly during the seventeenth century. In 2003, UNESCO made them World Heritage Sites.
If you want to combine art and nature there are numerous museums in the area around the Grand Hotel Majestic either by the
lake or in the nearby mountains and hillsides, The Museum of Fine Landscape in Verbania, with sections devoted to painting,
sculpture, archeology and popular religion. Among the most curious to be included is the Museum of Chimney Sweeps in Santa
Maria Maggiore, Other unusual ones includes The Hat museum in Ghiffa and the Umbrella museum in Gignese. In Domodossola
there is the museum dedicated to the Sempione (Simplon Pass) and the Peruvian aviator Geo Chavez.
Two more modern museums on Lake Orta are the Museum of Design and the Museum of Taps, both definitely worth a visit, while
ancient traditions and customs are on display in the Gold Mine Museum in Macugnaga and the Museum of Woodwork in Valley Strona.
What makes the VCO area such a hugely popular tourist destination is the sheer range of activities packed into such a small and
accessible region. Walks, golf, tennis fishing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, paragliding, hang gliders and even for those
who love powered flight try out the airfield in Masera near Domodossola. These are just some. The lists is never ending.
However which ever activity you choose you will be rewarded with a sense of achievement.
Is your favourite pastime shopping? Find an array of local shops and boutiques with the most famous Italian fashion and designers
between Intra, Verbania, Arona and Domodossola. Saturday is market day. Hunt for bargains and search for local products and artefacts.
For serious shoppers and those on a prescription of retail therapy, the experience can be repeated on Sunday in Cannobio, continuing
your search for a bargain in the villages-outlet. Vicolungo is less than an hour's drive from Pallanza, and has more than 130 shops
for clothing, accessories, cosmetics and ideas for the health care and household items. However we must not forget mention that some
of the most famous brands of household items such as Alessi and Lagostina, established right in the heart of Cusio are to be found
in the nearby town of Omegna.
MUSEO DEL TERRITORIO DI VERBANIA
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