Baveno

Baveno is a town in Piedmont, on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, close to Stresa and Verbania. Its palm-lined lakefront and gardens make it a pleasant spot for walks, and the harbour provides easy access to the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, known for their gardens and architecture. The town is historically noted for its pink granite quarries, stone that was used, among other things, for some of the columns of Milan Cathedral. The old centre retains the Church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, which features a Romanesque baptistery. Baveno gained popularity as a resort from the 19th century onwards, notably after a stay by Queen Victoria in 1879, which helped spur the development of lakeside hotels. The mild climate, moderated by Lake Maggiore, supports Mediterranean-style planting such as camellias, magnolias and azaleas found in several gardens in the area. The surrounding hills offer walking routes, including towards Mount Mottarone, reached via Stresa. Thanks to its central position, Baveno serves as a convenient base for exploring both the Lombard and Piedmontese shores of Lake Maggiore.