Mergozzo

Mergozzo is a small commune and town located in the Piedmont region in Italy in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. The town is located close to the cities of Verbania and Turin. Mergazzo is spread over an area of 27 sq km and has a population of approximately 2000. The economy of the town is based mainly on tourism that the Lake Mergozza attracts, all of which falls within the commune. 

The quarrying and stone work of the region is also a main source of income for the people of the town. The famous pink marble is still extracted in Mergazzo from the 14^th century and is exported all around the world. Other than tourism and quarrying, agriculture is also quite a significant contributor to the economy of the town.

 

Getting to Mergozzo

Mergozzo is located quite close to Turin and Verbania so getting down to the town is not that hard. The nearest airport is located 70 km from the center of the town. There is also a train station in Mergozza where trains from various destinations in Piedmont arrive each week. The easiest way to reach Mergozzo is by buses, the state buses operating in the region depart every few hours for Mergozza from the bus stations in the nearby towns and villages in the region. Those who have their own cars can just as easily drive down to the town. The highways connect Mergozzo to various cities in Piedmont as well as to the other cities in Italy.

 

Moving Around Mergozzo

The best way to explore Mergozza is on foot. Since the center of the town is quite small most visitors prefer to walk around to explore the few attractions that are located in the heart of the town. Visitors who have their own cars can also drive around the town. The streets in Mergozza are comfortable to drive around and except for a few areas parking is not a problem. Visitors can also use the local public buses that are used by the locals for commuting.

 

Attractions in Mergozzo

Chiesa Parrocchiale Della Bieta Vergine Assunta

Chiesa Parrochhiale della Bieta Vergine Assunta is the most important church in Mergazzo. The parish church was originally built in the year of 1610 at the site of an ancient church. The steep staircase that is located close to the entrance was built in the 19^th century. The church is bordered from a splendid portico of the XVII century with the side chapels.

 

Museo Archeologico

The archeological museum of Mergozzo is one of the most interesting attractions in the town. The museum had been set up in 1969 and show cases a small collection of the archeological findings from the region. Although the collection is quite small, it is still interesting to visit the museum since it provides information on the background of the region. These artifacts and objects were found in the region during several different excavation projects through the years.

 

The National Park

The Cartina national park is located close to Mergozza and is considered to be one of the most rustic national parks in Italy. The park is spread over a massive area of close to 15000 hectares and is located in the valley of the mountains of the region. The national park is a must visit for nature lovers since it gives the impression of boundless nature till as far as the eyes can see. The park is rich in flora and fauna and is home to several wild life species. The national park also provides excellent views of the mountain peaks of the surrounding regions. In the ancient times, this region was the trail of woodcutters and cattle breeders and it seems as if not much has changed since then. The government of Piedmont has taken several steps in the past few years to ensure the protection of this wooded area.

 

Stay and Accommodation

Mergozzo is quite a small town but it does have sufficient accommodation options for tourists. Although there aren’t many hotels in the town, there are a few that are comfortable and good enough. Because of the rise in agritourism in the last few years, there are also a few country homes, farm houses and villas that now offer rooms on rent to visitors. There are also a few small bed & breakfasts in town where visitors can get comfortable and clean rooms at low prices. Some of the best hotels in Mergozzo are hotel Albergo La Quartina, hotel Due Palme, Blumengarten Snc Di Alfieri Valentina E Ardito Carmine, Bed & Breakfast Baitasole, Albergo hotel Simplon and B&B II Piccio. There are also a few properties which can be rented by tourists who are planning to stay longer in the region.

 

Eating in Mergozzo

Mergozzo has a few good restaurants, bars, cafes and pizzerias where visitors can dine out. Most of the restaurants in the town are small and family run establishments. The cuisine is traditional Italian and dishes that are typical to the Piedmont region. Food here is simple and wholesome made with fresh ingredients, sea food and locally made cheese. Good wine is available at almost all restaurants. Some of the best restaurants in Mergozzo are Albergo ristorante La Quartina, Ristorante Pizzeria La Cantina, Trattoria Belvedere, Ristorante Toscana Da Dino, Ristorante Da Walter and Ristorante Vecchio Olmo.

 

Shopping in Mergozzo

There are not many places in Mergozzo where visitors can shop. Most of the shops that are located close to the historical center of the town are all directed towards tourism and hence the rates for the products are quite high. There are a few small shops located in the older section of the town where visitors can purchase locally made handicrafts, pottery and souvenirs at inexpensive rates. Mergozzo being mainly an agricultural town, the best things for visitors to purchase in town is food items like local mountain cheese varieties, olive oil, salamis and various varieties of wines. Most food shops in Mergazio sell all these items at low rates.