A very short and relaxing stage, all downhill, designed to enjoy an afternoon on the lake in the pretty cross-border town of Cannobio.
Crossing Lake Maggiore by boat, we say goodbye to Lombardy and enter the fifth region of Sentiero Italia: Piedmont.
The stage is really short: whoever is eager to walk can join this stage to the next one.
We leave the Ristoro and immediately begin the descent (approximately 700 m drop), retracing back a short stretch of asphalted road, and then descending (again by road) to the nearby town of Musignano. We take the comfortable paved path in gentle descent; we come across the small chapel dedicated to the Madonna del Pane.
We pass the village of Sarangio and continue to descend until we reach the bends of the asphalted road that leads to Maccagno. We take the road and, crossing the town, we reach the pier from where the boats leave to cross Lake Maggiore and leave the Lombard shore. The navigation is pleasant and we enjoy the arrival in the charming town of Cannobio: we are in a new region, Piedmont.
Cannobio is the town of Teresio Valsesia, former vice president of the Italian Alpine Club and a great promoter of Sentiero Italia. If you meet him at the lakeside bar, offer him a coffee.
Along the path that leads from Lake Delio to Maccagno we come across a shrine dedicated to the Madonna del Pane. It is called so because, according to legend, one day a mother, desperate because she had no food for her children, came to this place to pray to Madonna. The next day, at her front door, she found a basket of bread (pane, in Italian).
Cannobio was an important border town of the Savoy Kingdom during the wars of independence (the Austrians were on the other side of the lake).
The town proudly remembers the victorious resistance to the Austrian attack on the night between 27 and 28 May 1859, during the Risorgimento.
Cannobio is a splendid village, Orange Flag of the Touring Club, where time seems to have stopped.
There are numerous historic buildings, including the Palazzo della Ragione, called Parasi, where the Cannobiesi ruled the small republic. On the right side of the building is the Municipal Tower, actually the bell tower of the ancient church of San Vittore, dating back to the 12th century.
The bell system was used in the past to call the population to participate in religious ceremonies or assemblies, as well as to attend public punishments by wrongdoers.
The zander fish, also called sandra, was introduced in Italy at the beginning of the 20th century. Being a predator, it has caused quite a few problems for native species.
Its fine, delicate, and versatile meats can be tasted on the grill or fried, but are also often used by local chefs for creative dishes. Also excellent as a filling for fish ravioli.
Camping Riviera, in Cannobio. Tel. +39 0323 71360
Camping Pedro, in Cannobio. Tel. +39 335 702 7966
Camping Del Fiume, in Cannobio. Tel. +39 0323 70192
Camping Valle Romantica, in Cannobio. Tel. +39 0323 71249
In Cannobio there are numerous accommodation facilities
Starting point reachable by car.
Departure point NOT reachable by bus.
The closest location reachable by bus is Campagnano with a change in Luino, starting from the city of Varese.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Starting point NOT reachable by train.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
