Arona

Arona is a town in Piedmont, northern Italy, sitting on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, opposite the town of Angera and its hilltop fortress. The town is best known for the colossal statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, known locally as 'San Carlone', a copper figure standing several dozen metres high that dominates the lakeside skyline and can be climbed from within. Arona also retains the ruins of the Rocca di Arona, a former medieval stronghold once belonging to the Borromeo family, now laid out as a park with open views across the water. The old town, with its narrow lanes and pastel-coloured façades, runs along a pleasant lakeside promenade lined with cafés and small shops. Arona has a direct rail link to Milan and Switzerland, making it a convenient base for exploring Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands, reachable by boat from the town's jetty. The lake's moderating effect on the climate encourages visitors from spring through autumn, drawn by walking trails in the surrounding hills and various watersports on the lake.