- ROCCHE, CASTELLI, FORTIFICAZIONI
Maccagno
The Municipality of Maccagno has just over 2,000 inhabitants but its territory is quite vast: its eight hamlets are scattered from the flood plains of the Giona Stream to the mountains in Valveddasca and the 950 metres of Lake Delio.
Maccagno: history
Maccagno’s history is quite old, and in some ways, very original. In 962, Otto I landed in what was then a small village of fishermen and craftsmen, under the servitude of the Counts of Mandelli. Here he found refuge and hospitality. As a sign of gratitude, he granted the fief independence and the right to mint money. Maccagno became a small state in an administrative district of vassals. Its autonomy perpetuated for centuries, until the Seigniory of Borromeo. Illustrious citizens born in Maccagno include humanist Domenico Della Bella, the so-called “Macaneo”.
Things to see in Maccagno
Up until a few decades ago, the village was divided by the Giona Stream into Maccagno Inferiore and Superiore. The two towns had an autonomous administrative life; the physical difference of the urban layout is still visible today. The Contrada Maggiore district – the ancient centre of the village – is very characteristic with narrow alleys packed with homes standing against each other and dominated by an imperial tower and the small Madonnina della Punta Sanctuary (16th century) upheld by powerful arches overlooking the shining expanse of the lake. A glimpse of the Castelli di Cannero (Cannero castles) can be caught from here, located on a small islet off the Piedmont shore.
The more modern town of Maccagno Superiore is home to Town Hall. Casa Branca with its courtyard and loggias, is also worth visiting. However, Maccagno’s conquering feature is its breathtaking view almost spanning over the entire Verbano area: from the summits of the Canton Ticino to the Gulf of Borromeo. Its beach (created by the Giona Stream) is one-of-a-kind for its length and depth. This is a favoured place among the many wonderful tourist destinations in the Verbano area. Thousands of tourists arrive in Maccagno every year to admire these beauties; they stay in different hotels, two campgrounds with facilities and numerous holiday homes.
The Parisi Valle Civic Museum was built starting in 1979, in a futuristic building-bridge over the Giona Stream. It’s home to a collection of modern art donated by its creator Giuseppe Vittorio Parisi. Among recurring events, risotto con luganega (traditional local risotto with cured pork) can be savoured each year during carnival. The city recently set up the Parco delle Feste multifunctional building for the town’s events and shows.
The Roncovalgrande power station (ENEL Italian National Electricity Board power station) began operations in 1971. It’s located on trunk road 394 north of Maccagno, and generates power with the water from Lake Delio. The power station can be toured (booking required).
Entertainment in Maccagno
