Lesa
Welcome to Lesa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore!
If you're looking for a suggestive and peaceful place to spend your holidays in Italy, Lesa is the perfect choice for you. Located in the province of Novara, this town of 2150 inhabitants is located on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore. In this short guide, we will tell you more about the history and attractions of this enchanting place.
Geography
Lesa is the northernmost town in the province overlooking Lake Maggiore and is the union of the Vergante municipalities with Meina and Belgirate. The municipal territory is divided into two parts: the village of Solcio, located on the lakefront between Lesa and Meina, and the hilly villages of Calogna and Comnago, located on the surrounding hills. The latter were autonomous municipalities, but were aggregated to Lesa in 1928.
History
Lesa has a long history dating back to Roman times when the Severiana Augusta road passed through here, connecting Milan to Lake Maggiore. The name "Lesa" first appears in a document from 998, but archaeologists consider the city to be older, as there are Celtic and Roman artifacts and toponyms in the surrounding area.
During the Middle Ages, Lesa was the administrative center of the Vergante under the archbishops of Milan and then the Borromeo family. In the fifteenth century, the town passed to the Visconti family, who then gave it to the Borromeo family. During the nineteenth century, much of its economic and political importance was lost.
Monuments and places of interest
There are many monuments and places of interest to visit in Lesa and the surrounding areas. In particular, the Church of San Rocco, in the village of Solcio, is a Neoclassical construction from the XIX century. This church was built by the local philanthropist, Felice Borroni, and contains frescoes by Gerolamo Induno.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lesa is a fascinating place, where you can enjoy your holiday in a relaxing and enchanting atmosphere. With its natural beauties and historical monuments, it leaves you plenty of options for exploration and discovery. We recommend visiting Lesa if you want to spend a special holiday!
