Discover Laveno Mombello: the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

The main attraction of Laveno Mombello is undoubtedly the cable car to Sasso del Ferro, from which there is a spectacular view of the entire Lake Maggiore and the mountain range of the Alps, thanks to the considerable height of over 1000 meters above sea level.<br><br> Laveno Mombello is also an ideal destination for those with an interest in discovering Lake Maggiore. Thanks to the fantastic work of the company "Navigation on Lake Maggiore," from the Laveno Mombello pier it is possible to board boats to discover the islands of Lake Maggiore and also to visit the wonderful localities on the Piedmont shore.<br><br> It is at Christmas time that Laveno offers the unmissable opportunity to visit the famous underwater nativity scene, a tradition born in 1975 in which the nativity of Jesus Christ is recreated on the bottom of Lake Maggiore, and every year numerous tourists flock to celebrate this occasion. Laveno is renowned in Italy and abroad for its history related to ceramics. The Museo Internazionale Design Ceramico (MIDeC), visited by thousands of tourists every year, is a must-visit in which to admire the historical and modern side of the world of ceramics.

Laveno Mombello is a wonderful town located in the eastern part of Lake Maggiore (Lombard shore), named as the "Tourist Capital of the Eastern Shore of Lake Maggiore." Laveno enjoys a particularly privileged location, being set in a gulf with a unique landscape between the lake and the mountains. Located on the slopes of Mount Sasso del Ferro, Laveno stretches for several kilometers along the coast of Lake Maggiore. Its location makes it the main destination on the Lombard shore as far as lake navigation is concerned. In addition, Laveno is an important railway junction, being reached by two different lines of rail connections.

Laveno Mombello boasts an administration that is attentive and committed to improving the quality of life of its citizens. Among the main initiatives promoted by the municipal council are interventions in various fields, including social, urban planning and the economy.<br><br> Concrete examples include how, in order to support families in difficulty, calls for tenders have been launched to finance help with rent and housing maintenance. In the area of employment, the municipality promotes public competitions to recruit staff in various areas, including technical specialists, local police officers and staff for the municipal pharmacy.<br><br> Another key aspect concerns the improvement of the tourist offer. For this reason, a tourist tax has been introduced, which will make it possible to finance services and infrastructure useful to tourists and residents alike. The administration also pays great attention to the quality of services offered, as demonstrated by the continuous controls on suppliers and the promotion of a culture of transparency.<br><br> The municipality of Laveno Mombello is also attentive to the enhancement of its territory and cultural heritage, promoting, among other things, events and exhibitions.

The geographical location of Laveno Mombello places it as a hub for both traffic and tourists. From Laveno it is easy to reach Switzerland via Luino, as well as important centers such as Varese and Milan. Through a scenic road that runs along the lake, one can reach Sesto Calende and Piedmont.<br><br> There are two railway lines involving Laveno Mombello: the Ferrovie dello Stato railways serve as a link to Milan, Novara and Switzerland, while the Ferrovie Nord (Laveno Mombello Nord) operated by Trenord focuses exclusively on Milan.<br><br> Laveno and Piedmont are connected thanks to the service provided by the boats of the "Navigazione sul Lago Maggiore" company. From 5 a.m. until midnight, a boat departs every 30 minutes connecting the two shores of the lake. This route is frequented by many commuters, whether workers, students, or frequenters of the markets held on both the Piedmont and Italian shores. Cars and motorcycles can also be loaded onto the boats, and this feature is popular with tourists.

The inhabitants of Laveno-Mombello, known as lavenesi and mombellesi, are a community of about 8000 people living in this picturesque municipality on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore.<br><br> The population is made up of a mix of different ages, with 7% of foreign residents contributing to the multicultural and dynamic nature of the municipality. The over-75s represent more than 10% of the population, testifying to a good level of quality of life and health services in the area.<br><br> The inhabitants are distributed in three main hamlets: Laveno, Mombello, Cerro and Ponte, each with its own characteristics and peculiarities. Laveno, for example, is known for its harbour and historic cable car, while Mombello offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Laveno Mombello proves to be a perfect destination for sportsmen and lovers of outdoor activities. The town offers a wide range of possibilities, starting with the cycle path that starts in Laveno and heads towards Cittiglio, crossing fascinating natural landscapes rich in biodiversity.<br><br> For those who prefer hiking and walking, Laveno Mombello is the ideal starting point for exploring numerous trails, including the one leading to the Sasso del Ferro, one of the most popular destinations for hikers. Sasso del Ferro's panoramic position and high ground also offer the opportunity to practice extreme sports such as parachuting and hang-gliding, for those who wish to have an adrenalin-filled experience.<br><br> There are also several academies and sports centres in the Laveno Mombello area, such as the rowing academy and sailing centre. Lake Maggiore offers an ideal environment for the practice of water sports such as sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, making Laveno Mombello a reference point for sportsmen of all ages.

Laveno Mombello is a municipality rich in history and artistic heritage. Its roots date back to Roman times, as shown by some archaeological finds in the area, testifying to the strategic importance of the place over the centuries. During the Middle Ages, Laveno Mombello became an important commercial centre, particularly for the production and trade of ceramics.<br><br> The artistic wealth of the municipality is reflected in its many churches and monuments, which offer a wide range of styles and historical periods. Among the most significant churches are the Church of San Michele, dating back to the 15th century and with interior frescoes of great value, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 17th century and characterised by a Baroque style.<br><br> One of the most fascinating aspects of Laveno Mombello's artistic history is the tradition of ceramics, which dates back to the 16th century and has led the municipality to be recognised as one of the main centres of ceramic production in Italy. The Laveno Mombello Ceramic Museum offers a comprehensive overview of local history and production techniques, exhibiting works by internationally renowned artists such as Gio Ponti and Antonia Campi.<br><br> The area's natural beauty has also attracted numerous artists over the years, including painters and sculptors who have left their mark on the area, contributing to the enrichment of the local art scene. In addition, Laveno Mombello has been able to keep local artistic traditions alive by regularly organising cultural events, art exhibitions and concerts that attract both residents and visitors.

Laveno Mombello celebrates the feast of its patron saint, St Stephen, at the beginning of August, during a rich programme of religious events. Celebrations include Eucharistic adoration, confessions, solemn masses and a guided tour of the parish church. A moment of great tradition is the rite of the 'brusa balun', followed by the solemn mass. The events culminate with the 'aux flambeaux' procession, accompanied by the statue of the saint, the banners and costumes of the hamlets, through the main streets of the village, creating an atmosphere of deep brotherhood among the faithful.