SHARRYLAND
Where is
What it is and where it is
Today it is a beautiful green park that stretches across a broad spur of dolomite rock, but at one time the Rocca di Arona, a fortified complex where St. Charles Borromeo, archbishop and co-patron of Milan, was born, stood on it. The remains of the castle, which was dismantled by order of Napoleon in the very early 19th century, are still clearly visible, particularly the numerous circular towers that acted as a hinge to the surrounding walls.
Why it is special
It is special in particular because of the spectacular view from up there. A wide view with which to embrace the whole town of Arona (which even seen from above really deserves it!) and lower Lake Maggiore with a nice portion of the Varese shore, with Angera in plain sight.
Not to be missed
The park is home to a number of animals (baby goats, donkeys, chickens, and water turtles) that delight the little ones. The animals, as well as the whole park, are lovingly cared for, and should be treated with the utmost respect. One would say it is just the ideal place to visit with children, where one can discover a love of history and nature.
A bit of history
The Rocca di Arona was the first important possession of the noble Borromeo family on Lake Maggiore. Vitaliano I Borromeo, in the first half of the 15th century, received the village and fortress of Arona as a feud from Filippo Maria Visconti. In 1538 St. Charles, one of the best-known members of the House of Borromeo, was born here. The end of this imposing castle was decreed in 1800 by Napoleon Bonaparte, who ordered its destruction.
Trivia
A secret road, partly exposed and partly dug into the rock, connected the summit area of the Rocca with the village's military port. The remains of this route, only partly passable, have been traced and marked by a special sign.
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