Imagine sailing across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Maggiore and spotting, as if suspended, the ruins of ancient fortresses rising from the surface.
These are the Castles of Cannero, romantic and intriguing symbols emerging between water and sky, perfect for enriching your stay on Lake Maggiore.
Located on two of the three rocky islets opposite Cannero Riviera, these fascinating “ruins” tell tales of centuries of history and mystery.
A Journey into the Past
Castello della Malpaga: Originally built between the 11th and 12th centuries, it became in the 15th century the stronghold of the fearsome Mazzardi brothers—the “Mazzarditi” or “pirates of the lake”—who carried out raids and imposed a reign of terror.
The Visconti’s Revenge: In 1414, Filippo Maria Visconti sent an army that destroyed Malpaga, ending that private kingdom.
Rocca Vitaliana: Between 1519 and 1521, Ludovico Borromeo built a new fortress in its place, dedicating it to an ancestor, Vitaliano Borromeo. Its purpose was to defend the northern shore of the lake and the Swiss border.
From Ruins to Legends
In the following centuries, the castles were gradually abandoned: they became hideouts for smugglers, citrus orchards, rabbit warrens, and even, according to popular tradition, a refuge for Garibaldi.
By the 18th century, they had fallen into ruin but continued to inspire writers, painters, and evocative legends: tales of a ghostly ship, the clang of swords, and submerged treasures still linger.
An Open-Air Museum
Visiting the Castles is a truly immersive experience: after over a decade of conservation work commissioned by the Borromeo family and carried out by Studio Simonetti Architettura of Turin, the Castles were finally reopened to the public this year, on June 28, 2025.
The “Cannero Walking Tales” project transforms the ruins into an open-air museum—a physical and narrative journey where the site tells its own story through geo-localized audio guides, augmented reality installations, projections, sounds, and atmospheres that bring the ruins to life without compromising their authenticity.
Access: By Boat Only
The only way to reach the Castles is by water: the ticket includes a shuttle from Cannero Riviera and an interactive audio guide (available in multiple languages). The boat ride, whether solar-powered or traditional, adds a magical touch to the experience.
The Castles of Cannero are an unmissable destination: a fascinating blend of culture, landscape, and experiential innovation.
Upon your return, you can relax in our living area or under the shade of a cozy pergola. The hotel bar will be ready to serve you cocktails, drinks, and aperitifs.