Overview
Overlooking the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, Verbania was formed in 1939 from the merger of the towns of Intra, Pallanza and Suna. The city stretches along the lakeshore and up the first mountain slopes behind it, set within a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Historically linked to industrial and manufacturing activities, Verbania has gradually developed a strong tourist vocation, encouraged by its lakeside location and mild climate. Its urban fabric reflects the diversity of its origins, with districts that differ in history and function, and a close relationship with the surrounding Verbano landscape.
Gastronomy
Verbania’s gastronomy is deeply connected to Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alpine valleys, blending lakeside flavours with mountain traditions. Among its signature dishes are golden fillets of perch, sautéed in butter and sage and often served with rice or polenta, and fritto di alborelle, light and delicately crisp. Grilled coregone and risotto with perch and saffron reflect the meeting of lake cuisine and the rice-growing heritage of Piedmont. From the inland valleys come distinctive specialties such as mortadella ossolana, the violino di capra from Valle Vigezzo, and Bettelmatt, a rare and prized alpine cheese. Local products also include the traditional black bread of Coimo. On the sweet side, the area is known for amaretti di Pallanza and the delicate margheritine di Stresa, completing a cuisine that captures the essence of both water and mountains.
Wine and other drinks
The Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area offers a niche yet highly distinctive winemaking tradition. Among its standout varieties is Prünent, an ancient native grape documented as far back as the 14th century and now revived within the Valli Ossolane DOC. Alongside these local productions, the region also draws on renowned Piedmontese wines, while a lively craft beer scene adds a modern dimension to its beverage culture. Typical drinks include pure Alpine waters such as Acqua di Bognanco, as well as iconic products like Crodino, born in Crodo – both integral expressions of the area’s unique identity.
Highlights & Landmarks
Verbania’s heritage unfolds in a unique balance between lakeside landscapes, culture, and nature. Among its most iconic sites are the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, one of Europe’s most important botanical complexes, home to thousands of plant species and spectacular seasonal blooms overlooking Lake Maggiore. In the heart of the city, the Landscape Museum, housed in Palazzo Viani Dugnani, preserves works connected to the region from the 19th and 20th centuries, with international recognition.
Among the religious landmarks, the Basilica of San Vittore stands as a key spiritual and historical reference point. Nearby, the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer immersive routes through art, faith, and landscape. Equally captivating are the Borromean Islands, a lake archipelago renowned for its baroque palaces and terraced gardens.
The city’s cultural scene is further enriched by Villa Giulia, now a venue for major exhibitions and artistic events, and the Il Maggiore Events Centre, a contemporary hub for theatre, music, and performance. At Villa Maioni, visitors can explore the so-called “Camellia Library,” a botanical park featuring hundreds of varieties.
From a natural perspective, highlights include the Fondo Toce Nature Reserve, a protected wetland of exceptional biodiversity, and the Val Grande National Park, Italy’s largest wilderness area, offering untouched landscapes and extensive hiking trails.
