Dagnente
A little hillside town towards Meina and Nebbiuno, Dagnente was encompassed within Arona as a hamlet in 1928. It is reached by continuing up the hill leading to the Sancarlone, which also leads to another hamlet of Arona: Montrigiasco. The view here of Lake Maggiore is magnificent. Perhaps this is why it was chosen as a second homeland by many illustrious personalities.
Dagnente and Felice Cavallotti
The little town cemetery is the location of the monumental tomb of politician Felice Cavallotti (1842-1898), a work by sculptors Troubetzkoy and Conconi (sculptor Paolo Troubetzkoy is also buried here). Cavallotti – Milanese, solicitor, journalist, poet, author and politician – is known in history as the “bard of democracy” and is considered the father of Italian radicalism. He considered Dagnente his true homeland.
Dagnente and Mike Bongiorno
The town is also known for having prestigious quizmaster Mike Bongiorno among its tourists-inhabitants. After being here for many years, he also wished to be buried here, not far from the family estate. His wishes were fulfilled despite availability in the Monumental Cemetery of Milan: Mike Bongiorno has been resting in Dagnente since September 2009.
The Church of San Giovanni Battista – balcony of Dagnente
The 12th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista is right beside the cemetery. The churchyard and bell tower, which is detached from the body of the church, are pretty but the view of the lake from the rear section is absolutely superb.
