Lake Maggiore

Where culture becomes part of the landscape
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Lake Maggiore isn’t just beautiful — it’s alive with culture. Every year, the shores of the lake come to life with festivals, concerts, and exhibitions that celebrate music, art, literature, and cinema. From the elegance of symphonic performances to the vibrant charm of open-air jazz and street theatre, the region offers a rich calendar of experiences that draw a cosmopolitan audience.

• Stresa Festival – Great Music on the Lake
  Founded in 1961, the Stresa Festival is one of Italy’s most prestigious musical events. It welcomes world-class classical and contemporary musicians in iconic venues such as the Stresa Convention Center, the enchanting Borromean Islands, and the clifftop monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso.
• Ascona Music Weeks
  On the Swiss side of the lake, Ascona hosts a celebration of Baroque masterpieces and great symphonic works. Its intimate atmosphere and impeccable acoustics attract some of the world’s most acclaimed conductors and soloists.
• Jazz Cat Festival & Moon&Stars – Rhythm Under the Stars
• For lovers of jazz and pop-rock, the lakeside towns of Lugano and Locarno light up with energy during the Jazz Cat Festival and Moon&Stars. The latter, held in Locarno’s historic piazza, features international music icons in a magical open-air setting.
  

In a place where every note echoes against the mountains and the water shimmers with lights and sound, a wedding becomes more than a ceremony — it becomes part of the story.
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A celebration wrapped in art, elegance, and the soul of Italian culture.

A taste of Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is a place where nature, tradition, and flavor come together beautifully — a perfect match for a wedding rooted in Italian charm. Its cuisine draws from the lake and the mountain, offering authentic, refined, and deeply rooted in the region’s identity.

Freshwater specialties like golden perch with risotto, grilled lavarello, and carpione — marinated fish with vinegar and spices — highlight the lake’s culinary soul. Char, a rare delicacy, adds depth to traditional menus.

From the mountains, intense cheeses like Bettelmatt and Toma del Mottarone (perfect with local honey and walnuts) offer rustic elegance. Meanwhile, the Novara Hills on the Piedmont side produce remarkable wines: bold reds like Ghemme DOCG and Boca DOC, and fresher, fruit-forward labels under the Colline Novaresi DOC.

For couples planning a Lake Maggiore wedding, food becomes more than a detail—it’s a way to share the region's spirit. Think lakeside welcome dinners, wine tastings under the stars, and gourmet receptions that blend tradition and style.

What to visit around Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore offers a unique blend of nature, art, and history — an ideal destination not just for weddings, but for unforgettable explorations. Whether you’re planning activities for your guests or extending your stay as a couple, this region is filled with experiences worth discovering.
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‍Stresa and the Borromean Islands
‍Stresa is the jewel of the lake, with elegant villas and breathtaking views. Just offshore, the Borromean Islands create a dreamlike panorama:

• Isola Bella, home to the baroque Borromeo Palace and its iconic Italianate gardens
• Isola Madre, with romantic English botanical gardens and a peaceful historic residence
• Isola dei Pescatori, a timeless fishing village with traditional trattorias and lakeside charm

Arona and the San Carlone Statue
South of Stresa lies Arona, known for the colossal statue of San Carlo Borromeo — one of the tallest in the world. Climb inside the statue for panoramic views over Lake Maggiore.
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Rocca di Angera – Borromeo Fortress
This medieval fortress towers above the lake on the Lombardy shore. Inside, it houses the charming Doll and Toy Museum, offering one of the region's most scenic viewpoints.
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Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
Suspended between rock and water, this 14th-century monastery clings to the cliffs of Leggiuno. Accessible by boat or foot, it’s a place of silence, art, and striking beauty.
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Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens – Verbania
Nature lovers will enjoy the gardens of Villa Taranto, home to rare plant species and spectacular seasonal blooms — a serene escape just minutes from the lakeshore.
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A day in Milan
Less than an hour away, Milan offers a cosmopolitan contrast to the lake’s tranquillity. From the Duomo and La Scala to Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the modern skyline of Porta Nuova, it’s a city that blends culture, fashion, and innovation—ideal for a day trip or a stylish pre-wedding adventure.

Celebrities and Historic Icons of Lake Maggiore

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Lake Maggiore has long attracted artists, royalty, and cultural icons—drawn not only by its beauty but also by the sense of elegance and privacy it offers. For couples seeking to celebrate their wedding in a place with stories to tell, these legendary visitors add an extra layer of timeless charm.

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Napoleon Bonaparte & Josephine
In 1797, Napoleon and his wife Josephine made an unannounced stop at the Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella, leaving behind a fascinating anecdote that still echoes through the palace's halls.

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Arturo Toscanini
The celebrated Italian conductor lived on the small San Giovanni Islet near Verbania from 1932 to 1954. The peaceful setting of the lake served as a sanctuary and a source of inspiration throughout his later years.

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Ernest Hemingway
The Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées in Stresa hosted American writer Ernest Hemingway — an experience that inspired several key scenes in A Farewell to Arms. The lake became, in his words, “a place to heal.”

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Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall
Hollywood legends Bogart and Bacall spent part of their honeymoon in Stresa, further establishing the town as a symbol of cinematic romance and international sophistication.

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Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom
In 1879, Queen Victoria stayed at Villa Clara (today Villa Branca) in Baveno during her visit to Italy. Designed by British engineer Charles Henfrey, the villa became a favoured retreat for European nobility.

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Piero Chiara
Born in Luino, on the lake’s eastern shore, Italian author Piero Chiara captured the essence of Lake Maggiore in his novels. The Bishop’s Bedroom and The Disappearance of Signora Giulia blend mystery, desire, and the quiet intrigue of lakeside life.

Effortless travel, exceptional setting.

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Lake Maggiore is ideally located in northern Italy, close to the Swiss border and easily accessible from major European cities. Its proximity to Milan makes it an excellent choice for destination weddings — combining beauty, convenience, and international reach.
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The closest airport is Milan Malpensa (MXP), located just under an hour’s drive from Stresa, the lake’s most iconic town. Taxis and private transfers are widely available, and many venues offer shuttle options for guests.
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For those preferring public transport, direct trains from Malpensa Airport to Stresa run regularly via Milano Centrale. The ride offers scenic views and takes around 90 minutes.
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For couples planning a wedding on the lake, getting here is simple — a smooth journey that sets the tone for a relaxed and memorable celebration.