Pallanza is a town in the comune of Verbania on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The two towns of Pallanza and Intra were actually merged on 4 April 1939, a decision made by Benito Mussolini which formed the municipality of Verbania.
The origins of the town date as far back as Roman times. The clearest evidence of this is a 1st century marble cippus (pedestal) which can be seen in the Church of Santo Stefano.
These days, Pallanza’s lakefront is beautiful. Period buildings, ancient streets, alleyways and piazzas, colourful facades and ornate porticoes, not to mention its charming balconies festooned with flowers, all contribute to Pallanza’s charm and beauty. The town is also often affectionately referred to as ‘the garden on the lake’ thanks to a spectacular botanical garden that covers an area of nearly 40 acres and which is home to around 20,000 plant and flower species from all over the world.
Villa Taranto is a beautiful garden open from April to October each year. We think the best time to visit is at the end of April when there is the annual Feast of the Tulip. Visit at this time and you may be lucky enough to receive a complimentary plant – one in five tickets has a stamp on the back which allows visitors to collect their free gift. The gardens aren’t just full of incredible plants though – there are stunning terraces, ponds, fountains and waterfalls to admire too.
Its lakefront is certainly one of the finest on Lake Maggiore. Look out across the lake and you will be able to see the pretty Borromean Islands. Inland you are faced with a promenade of colourful period facades and pretty porticoes, dotted with window boxes full of flowers. Plenty of bustling cafes and restaurants provide the perfect place to sit and take in the scene.
There are plenty of historic buildings in Pallanza well worth a visit too. These include the 16th century Romanesque Church of Madonna di Campagna (Our Lady of the Countryside) which stands on the Viale Azari away from the lakeside. Also of note is the Church of San Leonardo and its broad flight of shallow steps. Another religious building of note is the Church of San Remigio which sits on the slopes of the Castagnola Hill and enjoys superb lake views.
Also worth seeing is the 19th century town hall with its 32 pink granite pillars along with Villa Giulia, a stunning 19th century mansion. This was constructed in 1847 by Bernardino Branca but is now owned by the council and these days is used for exhibitions and events throughout the year including as a wedding venue. The park that the villa sits in is open all year round but the villa itself is only open on selected days.
There are also some museums in Pallanza that may be of interest including the Museo del Paesaggio (Landscape Museum) housed in the Palazzo Viani-Dugnani. The building itself was constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries but has been the home of the museum since 1909. Also of note is the Palazzo Biumi-Innocenti, which boasts an interesting collection of sculptures and artworks.
Visitors to Pallanza may also like to take the opportunity to admire the Mausoleum of General Luigi Cadorna which is on the lakefront in the town. This dates back to 1932 and houses the remains of General Luigi Cadorna. Twelve military sculptures depicting different troops from infantrymen to sailors and snipers sit on the rectangular tower above the steps.
Finally, sitting just 30 metres off shore from Pallanza is the Islet of St. Giovanni. This is home to the Palazzo Borromeo, where Arturo Toscanini lived between 1927 and 1952. One of the greatest conductors of the 20th century, Arturo Toscanini considered that this was one of the most beautiful places in the world. Of course, the history of the islet dates back long before this and was first mentioned in 999 AD in a document drawn up by Otto III. At that time, it was home to a castle and church dedicated to St Michael the Archangel and was instead given the name ‘Isola di Sant’ Angelo’. However, the name changed to San Giovanni when the church here was demolished. In the 17th century, as with so many of the lake’s islands, the Borromeo princes took control. They restored the buildings and improved the gardens and parkland. Sadly, these days, the island is not open to the public but you can still enjoy some impressive views of it as you walk along Pallanza’s shoreline.
In short, we love Pallanza. Despite having so much going for it, it doesn’t attract the number of tourists that nearby Stresa does so it also feels that little bit more authentic.
Restaurants in Pallanza
There are a number of excellent restaurants in Pallanza, serving up delicious food for a variety of budgets. These are a few of our favourites.
Ristorante Milano – This restaurant is an intimate and upmarket restaurant that comes highly recommended! It is situated right in the heart of the town on the main lakeside road at Corso Zannitello 2.
Osteria de Riccio – This is an excellent restaurant for vegetarian visitors. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Del Largo Caffettaria – This is a popular cafe set in a quiet corner of the town which serves up excellent breakfasts and homemade cakes if you’re just looking for a sweet treat on your travels! It does also offer basic lunches if you’re after something more substantial.
Arte & Pizza – This is a small pizzeria on Piazza Garibaldi in Pallanza. Nothing fancy, but just good pizza!
Or check out our complete guide to Lake Maggiore restaurants.
Events in Pallanza
Our favourite annual event in Pallanza is the annual Corso Fiorito (Flower Parade). This normally takes place on the first Sunday in September. This event has been running since 1909 when it was set up to showcase the skills of local gardeners and advertise the area’s beauty. It now involves numerous floats decorated with hundreds of thousands of flowers.
Also well worth attending is the Palio Remiero, a rowing race. This is a rather unique event which takes place in mid August each year. It can claim to be the only rowing race in Italy which takes place at night. Teams are made up of eight rowers and a helmsman. Brightly coloured boats compete against one another making their way past equally brightly coloured buoys in the lake off the shores of Pallanza. Both events culminate in spectacular fireworks displays and both attract hundreds of spectators.
Where to stay in Pallanza
Casa Belva is a stunning 3 bedroom Italian Lakes villa which is a very pleasant half an hour walk from the heart of Pallanza. Offering the ultimate in luxury with a private pool and gym, it also boasts exceptional 180 degree lake views up and down the lake and across to the beautiful Borromean Islands.
Alternatively if you prefer to be in the heart of the town itself, then opt for Apartment Olga, a beautiful two bedroom Pallanza apartment almost directly across from the boat stop in Pallanza. Within a short stroll of the lakefront, lido, shops and restaurants, it’s a great option for those who want to be in the heart of the town.
How to get to Pallanza
By aeroplane: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa. This is less than an hour’s drive from Pallanza. If you’re landing at Milan Linate, the journey will take an extra half an hour. Milan Bergamo is another half an hour further again.
By car: Pallanza is easy to reach by car. If coming via the A26, take the exit for Verbania and then continue on the SS34 to reach Pallanza. There is a large free car park close to the train station (but this is quite a distance from the town). But there are plenty of other car parks closer to the town along with paid parking along the lake front. Opt for the blue parking spaces only as the white ones are for residents only. Or, if needed, there are also yellow spaces for those with disabilities. Once parked, find the nearest parking meter and pre-pay for the hours you are staying for and remember to display the split on the car dashboard.
By train: There is a train station at Verbania – Pallanza but this is a 10 minute drive from the heart of Pallanza’s lakefront promenade. The journey from central Milan to Verbania – Pallanza will typically take 75 minutes. Buses do then run between the train station and the lake front.
By bus: The Alibus bus network goes directly from Milan Malpensa to Pallanza (stopping at a number of other towns and villages on the lake). This runs between April and October each year and offers exceptionally good value. 2023 prices for the Alibus from Milan Malpensa to Verbania – Pallanza is 17 euros.
Check out all the Italian Lakes villas and apartments near Pallanza available from Italian Lakes villa rental specialists, Bookings For You.