Arona: Parco Naturale Lagoni di Mercurago - Dormelletto

Few towns in Piedmont have a history as closely tied to the Borromeo family as Arona. Set on Lake Maggiore’s western shore near its southern end, it looks across one of northern Italy’s great Alpine lakes. Saint Charles Borromeo was born here in 1538, and the monumental Sancarlone statue above the town commemorates him. The ruins of the Rocca di Arona, once a Borromeo stronghold, still overlook the lakeside; the fortress was dismantled during the Napoleonic era. A waterfront promenade, railway station and ferry connections keep Arona closely linked with communities around the lower lake. Continue with other webcams from the area to see how this part of Lake Maggiore connects regionally.

Piedmont occupies Italy’s northwestern corner, between the Alps, the Apennines and the Po Valley. The Po, Italy’s longest river, begins in the Cottian Alps and flows east across the region’s plains, while vine-covered hills define the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato areas. Turin, Piedmont’s principal city, was the first capital of unified Italy from 1861 to 1865 and remains closely associated with the House of Savoy, grand boulevards and chocolate-making. Beyond the city, the region’s identity ranges from Alpine valleys to rice fields around Vercelli and renowned wine country. Move on to other webcams in the region to compare landscapes and settings around Piedmont.

Among the countries of southern Europe, Italy stands out for its Mediterranean coastline and cities marked by the legacy of ancient Rome. The Alps form its northern frontier, while the Apennines run down the peninsula and the Po crosses the broad plain of the north. Rome’s Colosseum and Roman Forum recall the ancient empire; Florence is closely associated with the Renaissance, and Venice is built across a lagoon on the Adriatic. Food changes markedly between regions, from olive-oil cooking in the south to rice dishes in the Po Valley. Sicily and Sardinia add distinct island identities to a country whose regions retain strong local character. Explore nearby webcam locations that provide complementary perspectives on Italy’s coasts, cities and mountains.