Angera and Arona

One of Milan’s most powerful ruling families, the Visconti, originated here, and south of the lake you can still admire a fortress dating back to their time of rule.

In the 14th century, the Visconti defensive fortress was built in the south of the town of Angera. A hundred years later, it became the property of the Borromeo family, which still owns it today.

The Angera Fortress is not only one of the most interesting defensive castles in Lombardy, but also houses an extraordinary and unique Toy Museum.

Angera is also a port city, and just across the river, in Piedmont, lies Arona. It can be reached in just a few minutes using the local GPS.

Arona has retained the pleasant atmosphere of a commercial town and also offers a picturesque scenic drive along the lakeshore.

Arona is also linked to the Borromeo family. It was once a strategic point with its fortress, destroyed during the Napoleonic era, of which only ruins remain today. Arona was the birthplace of one of the most illustrious members of the family: Charles Borromeo, a leading figure in the Milanese Church in the mid-16th century. An imposing monument was erected in his honor near the city, once the largest accessible monument in the world.

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