Oggebbio

On Lake Maggiore between Stresa and Locarno, the "dispersed town" of Oggebbio occupies lakefront as well as hillside. With about 797 year-round residents, Oggebbio is dubbed "the town that doesn't exist" because it is actually a collection of 15 hamlets under one administrative seat, with the "town hall" being in Gonte.

The name is said to derive from ancient Latin, Eugebium, terra della dolce vita, land of the sweet life. There were archeological finds dating to the Iron Age, but it was the Middle Ages and the feudal families who controlled the area that built the hamlets and monuments and castles. The most prominent was the Morigi family.

The hamlets are both on the lake and in the hills, and had been connected by a network of mule and walking paths. Terraces on the lower hills above the lake were used to cultivate vines, grains and produce. At Spazzole (also called Spasolo) the fishing boats docked. Artisans and crafts, tradesmen and carbonari (charcoal burners) used to be the economic backbone, along with fishing, but now it is tourism, art, flowers and the scenery that Oggebbio is known for. There are some fresh-water beaches to enjoy, plenty of walking paths, and some interesting sights, dispersed among the various hamlets. Since it is only 8 kilometers to Verbania, it is also a good location, and is near the Swiss border, too. Views abound in the hills, with Lake Maggiore below and the Alps beyond.

What to See and Do Around Oggebbio

A day at the beach is in order if you're here in warm weather, the clear lake water certainly beckons. There is a beach right in Oggebbio town with a terrace of grass and ladders into and out of the water (see separate beach listings.) Up and down the shore from Oggebbio are other beaches, such as Cannero to the north and Ghiffa to the south.

Castelli di Cannero - rising from the water like a lost world, the remains of the castles on tiny islands in the lake are something mystical to see! The two islets keep the history and secrets of medieval fortresses, located north of Oggebbio off the shore of Cannero Riviera.

San Pietro, 12th century church with ceiling frescoes featuring the life of Jesus. The tower reaches 42 meters-the highest in the province. It is in Gonte frazione.

Oratorio di Sant'Agata in Novaglio - an intriguing blend of Romanesque and Gothic with some Renaissance touches thrown in when it was renovated in the 16th century.

Villa Anelli in Gonte - a Romantic period villa built in 1872 with gorgeous garden that features an amazing camelia collection.

Dumera - the highest hamlet in the town's collection, it is on the hillside with quaint stone and beam constructions, archways and stair-stepped lanes throughout.

Zipline Lago Maggiore - it is a windy mountain road up from Intra (south of Oggebbio) to get to the attraction that is high above Oggebbio as the crow flies (or intrepid hikers and climbers can find the steep paths if you want the challenge!) The high-flying zip line is a thrill, though, and takes you over stunning scenery. While you're up on the mountain, you may as well go over to Alpe Colle and see the highest bookstore in the Lombardy region! Up here, you're surrounded by mountain peaks and the fresh alpine air.

FERRIES
Battelli (ferry boats and private water craft) leave from the porto turistico Spasolo. Ferries from Oggebbio go to le Isole Borromee, Verbania-Intra, Luino, nearby Cannobio, and Porto Valtravaglia.