Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park
Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park, Nature reserve in Arona, Italy
Description
Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park is a protected area covering around 473 hectares near Lake Maggiore with lakes, marshes, meadows, and woodlands. The site spans four municipalities and creates a mosaic of different natural habitats within a single reserve.
History
Archaeological digs starting in 1860 uncovered Italy's first Bronze Age stilt settlement hidden beneath the wetlands. The excavations brought to light ancient wooden wheels and a wooden boat that reveal how early inhabitants adapted to this marshy terrain.
Culture
The park's name reflects its historical importance as a Mercury trading site, and visitors walk through landscapes shaped by ancient settlement patterns along the waterways. The open wetlands and forest edges show how people once lived and worked in this region.
Practical
The park offers four different walking routes through wetlands, forests, productive landscapes, and archaeological zones, each revealing different aspects of the area. Plan to wear sturdy shoes as parts of the terrain can be muddy, especially after rain or in wetter seasons.
Did you know?
Hidden within the protected wetlands are pastures dedicated to raising thoroughbred racehorses, an unusual combination rarely seen in nature reserves. This mix of equestrian breeding and ecological conservation creates a distinctive character found in few other places.
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Villa Tesio
1.8 km
Dal Pozzo Castle
2.4 km
Santi Martiri, Arona
2.9 km
Pieve di Gattico
2.9 km
Riserva naturale speciale dei Canneti di Dormelletto
2 km
San Martino
2.6 km
Asilo Bottelli
2.8 km
San Giovanni Battista
2.6 km
Madonna della Fontana Church
798 m
Our Lady of the Snow church
3.2 km
Chiesa di San Giorgio
1.6 km
Town hall of Dormelletto
1.7 km
Town hall of Oleggio Castello
2.3 km
Chiesa del Cuore Immacolato di Maria
1.4 km
Chiesa della Madonna della Motta
1.4 km
Santi Anna e Gioacchino
2.9 km
Town hall of Comignago
2.7 km
Sacro Cuore
2 km
Bust of Luigi Boniforti
2.8 km
Chiesa di San Rocco
3.1 km
Noce comune
1.6 km
Oratorio di San Rocco
1.7 km
Abbazia di Santo Spirito
2.7 km
Cappella-ossario Beolchi
2.9 km
Town hall of Arona
2.9 km
Salice bianco
1.7 km
San Rocco
2.3 km
Chiesa di San Luigi
2.4 km
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