Angera, Medieval commune in Province of Varese, Italy.
Angera is a commune on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, dominated by a limestone hill topped with the medieval Rocca Borromeo fortress. The castle rises prominently above the town and defines the lake's skyline with its distinctive shape.
The area was known in medieval times as Stazzona and grew around a fortress that controlled ship traffic on the lake. This strategic position made it an important point for regional control for centuries.
The Rocca Borromeo houses a doll museum displaying over one thousand European dolls from different periods. Inside the medieval stone walls, visitors can see handcrafted pieces that reflect how children played and lived across the continent.
The location sits at 193 meters elevation and connects to Milan by regional trains, while water transport services operate across the lake. Visitors can explore the area using public transit or by boat, giving multiple options for arrival and departure.
Scientist Alessandro Volta discovered methane gas in the marshlands here during a summer stay in 1776. This discovery became a major moment in chemistry history and links the small town to an important scientific breakthrough.
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