The Oratorio immersed in a dense wood.
It was built between the first half of the
11th and 12th centuries. This site offers great panoramic views.

...and other churches

From the artistic point of view, Pallanza has many important churches, including the 16th-century collegiate church of San Leonardo, and the parish church of Santo Stefano that has original Roman elements, 17th-century remodelings and a curious Roman “Alter to the Matrons” in marble.

There is also the Oratory of Saint Fabiano and Saint Sebastiano (not open to visitors) in the heart of the old suburb of Suna where one also finds the church dedicated to Santa Lucia, patron saint of stonecutters (there are many in this area). It is, after all, the land of the famous pink granite, found everywhere but particularly in Baveno, a small lakeside town worth visiting. There, you will find the notable provost church, which stands harmoniously with the baptistery, the church of Saint Gervasio and Saint Protasio, an impressive bell tower, and a long arcade that lies off the large churchyard.

Parks and Gardens

On the 50 acres of Villa Taranto, one can explore more than four miles of pathways and 20,000 species of flowers, arranged in a blend of English and Italian garden styles. (Visits can be reserved April to October, from 8:30 am until sundown. Call for further information, tel. +39.0323.55.66.67.)

The Italian garden tradition also lives on in the scenic gardens and terraces of Isola Bella and in the botanical park of Isola Madre. During visiting season, from the end of March through October, the gardens are a triumph of colors and perfumes. Call for further information (tel. +39.0323.3.05.56 or +39.0323.3.12.61). Steamship schedules are available through Navigazione del Lago Maggiore, at their offices in Arona, (Viale Baracca 1, tel. +39.0322.4.66.51).