San Bernardino Verbano
San Bernardino Verbano is a small municipality located in a pleasant position in the hinterland, just 6 km from Verbania and 8 km from Lake Mergozzo. The municipal territory was divided into three different municipalities up until 1928: Bieno, Santino and Rovegro, now united under the current name. Rovegro was the largest village and was chosen as municipal seat for Santino due especially to its convenient location.
The area was already inhabited by the Romans, as indicated by several finds: a tombstone was discovered in Bieno with inscriptions from the Romanesque period, and Imperial coins were found in Rovegro.
Tourism in San Bernardino Verbano
The parish church in Bieno dedicated to the Purificazione di Maria (Purification of Mary) has an old Romanesque bell tower, one-of-a-kind in the area and evidence of earlier construction. The Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova is also in Bieno, which was recently renovated despite being very old.
The old parish church in the centre of the hamlet of Santino is dedicated to Sant’Antonio Abate. It dates back to the 5th century, although it was renovated and modified later.
Entertainment in San Bernardino Verbano
The main road starts in Santino, touches on Bieno again and leads to Alpe Ompio, approximately 1,000 metres asl. This is a very pretty scenic area, with several facilities for picnics and free time. Italy's largest wilderness area is here, at the gates to the Val Grande National Park. Part of San Bernardino Verbano’s territory is within the protected area.
Instead, Rovegro is on the road ascending towards Cicogna, a hamlet of the Municipality of Cossogno, the location of one of the tour centres for the national park.
Accommodations in San Bernardino Verbano
If you're planning your trip and would like to visit the precious territory of San Bernardino Verbano, take a look at the local hotels!
