Mercallo
Mercallo, also known as Mercallo dei Sassi, is a town with almost 2,000 people some 20 km from Varese. Located halfway along the coast on a hill, its territory is part of the Area of the Seven Lakes, the most important being Lake Maggiore.
Tourism in Mercallo
Just a short distance from Lake Maggiore, Mercallo directly overlooks Lake Comabbio, where it offers visitors a large beach with facilities. The ruins of pile-dwellings have not been discovered on the shore, but this town is certainly of ancient origin as shown by the plentiful grave goods from the Roman period. For example, a Roman necropolis dating back to the 1st century was discovered in the town of Vignaccia.
The Parish Church of San Giovanni Evangelista (worth visiting) is of medieval origin, and has a wonderful 11th-century Romanesque bell tower.
Also worth mentioning is the small Chapel of Re Magi, home to a marvellous fresco whose lively colours are almost completely intact.
Mercallo: historic signs and curiosities
The word “mercallo” is believed to come from the German terms “Markt” and “Halle”, which respectively mean market and seat, thus indicating Mercallo’s commercial importance. The name “dei Sassi” (of rocks) is thought to be due to the large presence of glacial erratics in the area, but there are also those who believe that the name reminisces of the laborious work by the ancient stone-cutters who once lived in these areas.
Accommodations in Mercallo
If you would like to visit the area of the Seven Lakes or the city of Mercallo and to admire Lake Comabbio, take a look at the local hotels and start planning your trip!
