Alpe San Michele in Porto Valtravaglia: a Beautiful View

Alpe San Michele, in Porto Valtravaglia, represents one of the most important vantage points on Lake Maggiore. It slightly exceeds eight hundred meters in altitude, but this does not diminish its charm that bewitches numerous visitors. It is located in the area where the Valcuvia and Valtravaglia join. In the past, San Michele was a mountain pasture station and belonged to the municipal territory of Musadino with Ligurno. Here alpine pastures, meadows and meager meadows were flanked by dense chestnut forests. Today, San Michele alp is a significant attraction point where tourists and enthusiasts choose to spend timeless moments every year.

Historically, the locality of San Michele, near Porto Valtravaglia was a very important mountain pasture station and referred to the municipal area of Musadino with Ligurno. In this area, there were alps, pastures and rough meadows. In addition, there was also the presence of dense chestnut forests. It can be said that grazing was the main activity of the entire alpine pasture and characterized different periods. Shepherds and farmers operated in an optimal environment where nature, tradition and culture reigned. Currently, the San Michele Alp is a wonderful attraction on the waters of Lake Maggiore. It is visited every year by numerous tourists and mountain enthusiasts.

Near Alpe San Michele, in Porto Valtravaglia, there are several outstanding hiking trails, such as from Muceno or Arcumeggia, along the Via Verde Varesina. In addition, there is the well-known and popular Insubri trek. There is also a circular route to Monte Colonna, characterized by a walk of about four hours. The latter route is set in a naturalistic context of extreme beauty. The views range from the flat terrain of the Varesotto and upper Milan area to the valleys of upper Verbano. All this is adorned by beech forests and magnificent pre-Alpine villages. The nature and walkable routes of the San Michele Alp are an excellent reality.

The Chiesetta di San Michele in Porto Valtravaglia, better known as the Church of San Michele al Monte, is a small religious building dating from the early 11th to mid-12th century. It is an example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, with some remains of early medieval fresco decoration, the foundation of which we do not know. It served as a religious mountain pasture place for the people who lived and grazed in the mountains. The extremely simple structure consists of an apsidal hall of about 30 square meters. The apse, facing east, is undoubtedly the oldest part, and it is completely vaulted through two ribbed bays.

The San Michele alp offers the opportunity to experience the excellent gastronomy typical of the mountains and the Alps. The ''Ristoro San Michele,'' a local restaurant with a fireplace, strategically located for passersby and tourists, is one of the main places on the San Michele Alp where one can enjoy and sample the lunch menu that includes mushrooms, polenta and stew, cotechino and lentils, Valtellina-style lasagna, and much more. In fact, there are also numerous sandwiches such as the sausage, sauerkraut and mustard sandwich. Desserts that are offered range from berry pies to various house specialties.

Reaching Alpe San Michele is possible mainly: - by car: via Porto Valtravaglia (VA) or Brissago Valtravaglia (VA). -On foot: via the many hiking trails that pass through, for example, Porto Valtravaglia (VA), Muceno (VA) or Arcumeggia (VA). -By bus: with the service of Autolinee Varesine Line No. 03. -By ferry: with a descent to Laveno Mombello (VA) or Luino (VA) to then reach Porto Valtravaglia (VA) and from there start the route.