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You are here: Ameno
The commune, which also includes the hamlets Vacciago and Lortallo, is situated on the hilly slopes of the east shore of lake Orta, over 500 meters above seal level, and it has just under 1000 inhabitants.A history that plunges its roots in the Iron Age, with many discoveries in Lortallo necropolis that prove the influence also in Cusio area of the so-called “Golasecca civilisation”.
A place plunged in the green of the hills and that offers the possibility of many trips; that’s why Ameno and its hamlets have been chosen as a destination for a restful holiday for centuries: from XVIIth to XIXth century, the high classes have left their trails in many palaces and in the villas that it is still possible to come across in the suburb: Palazzo Tornielli, Palazzo Vegezzi, Villa Reiser, Villa Monte Oro and more besides, such as - in Vacciago - the dwelling of the painter Antonio Calderara, who wanted to retire there (in his grandfather’s village) to gather his works and many others and to set up an exhibition that attracts many visitors still today.
Among the hills that enclose the built-up area is Mount Mesma, with its two devotional itineraries (Stations of the Cross) and the arrival to the Franciscan Friary dated back to the XVIIth century.
Ameno`s historical events are related to the presence of the Romans and of Riviera history, as well as all the suburbs facing Lake Orta, that sort of nobliliary-religious feud connected to Novara`s episcopate. It is certainly an important centre, according to the large number of churches (about fifteen) that you can come across in the centre. The parish church, consecrated to S. Maria Assunta (Our Lady of the Assumption) and rearranged during the baroque period, was founded by St. Julius himself and it still keeps a stony bell tower dated back to 1505.
What captures in Ameno and its hamlets is the view over the lake: such as the sight that you can enjoy from the large square before the sanctuary of Madonna della Bocciola, in Vacciago, a terrace with a panoramic view from which the sight embraces the whole lake and the west shore where Madonna del Sasso stands out.