The castles of Cannero Riviera, known as “Castles of the Malpaga”, emerge from the water not far from the shore, at just about 2 km from the center of town. They stand on two islets which were fortified during the Middle Ages and were used by bandits to commit crimes and wrongdoings and control the tradings with neighbouring Switzerland. Because of the purity of the surrounding water the area has been awarded the Blue Flag.
HISTORY OF THE CASTLES OF CANNERO
The story is centered around the “brothers of the Malpaga”, that is the five brothers of the Mazzarditi family who between 1403 and 1404 seized the town of Cannobio extorting money from the coastal population with their brigandish exploits. They forced the local population to build a fortress, later called “Castle of the Malpaga”, to have a safe and fortified place from which to start out on plundering expeditions. To put an end to raids and violence in 1414 Duke Filippo Maria Visconti put the fortress under siege forcing the bandits to surrender for hunger. The castle was then razed to the ground. Between 1519 and 1521 the Borromeo family, lords of the lake, built in its place the “Vitaliana”, a stronghold named after Vitaliano Borromeo, aimed at protecting Lake Maggiore from the incursions by the Swiss. In the XVIII century the castles were abandoned and gradually went to ruins. The modern statue of the Virgin Mary on the smallest islet is by Giannino Castiglioni (1884 – 1971).
A new adventure on Lake Maggiore!
At the Castelli di Cannero, rooms and corridors are steeped in anecdotes and tales. And now, after 10 years of restoration and five centuries after their construction, the lake fortress emerging from the tranquil waters of Lake Maggiore, facing the towns of Cannero and Cannobio, is finally ready to share them.
Starting from tomorrow June 28th, thanks to the commitment of the Borromeo family, a unique museum experience will restore the Castelli di Cannero to their former splendor. An unforgettable and immersive open-air journey through history - a plunge into the memory of the region, cradled by the breeze and accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Verbano waters.
An ancient voice returns, brought to life through immersive, unobtrusive technology—hidden to the eye, yet deeply engaging.
Like an audiobook, meant to be heard while walking through the deep blue of this magical place.
