LAKE MAGGIORE

Five minutes from Lesa the boat dock at Belgirate, on the Piedmontese shore a charming tourist locality endowed with numerous hotels, and with an intense congressual activity. Here in 1858, the first Italian Oarsmen Society was founded and a historical regatta attended by Mazzini, Cavour, Garibaldi and d'Azeglio, took place. While in the northern part of the built up area rise quaint houses with arcades and loggie, on the lake-front rises the baroque Parrocchiale with 17-18th cent. frescoes. Famous names from the political history and culture of our 19th century are, moreover associated with two villas: Villa Bono Cairoli where Benedetto Cairoli lived and in 1869 Giovanni died; and Villa Carlotta, where Rosmini, Gozzano, Manzoni and others resided.