Fortified village with panoramic views between lake and mountains
Consisting of a small number of stone houses built around the small church of San Gottardo (14th century), Carmine Superiore stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the western shore of Lake Maggiore, offering a splendid panoramic view of the lake and the Lombardy mountains.
The layout and solid structure of the buildings is typical of a medieval defensive structure, an excellent defensive system built on a natural balcony. On the edge of the settlement, the environment is characterised by terraces on dry stone walls, the last vestiges of vineyards and chestnut groves.
Founded shortly before the year 1000 as a fortified hamlet by a family of notables from Cannobio, its purpose was to defend the access road to Cannobio and to give shelter to the surrounding populations in case of danger.
Between 1332 and 1401, the Church of San Gottardo was erected here, which preserves valuable frescoes from the 14th-15th centuries both outside and inside.
Carmine Superiore can only be reached on foot via a path from the hamlet of Carmine Inferiore (15 min), or by longer hiking routes from Cannero or Cannobio (via delle Genti).
Credit © Susy Mezzanotte
