Discover Ispra: History, Circular Trails and Science

Ispra on Lake Maggiore combines a well-equipped harbor in the town with historical traces, circular trails, science, cycling culture and regional destinations.

The well-equipped harbor of Ispra has a landing stage operated by Navigazione Lago Maggiore that is active in summer for ships and hydrofoils.

Harbor and Trails in Ispra

The Anello delle Fornaci circular trail begins and ends at the Ispra Info Point. There is also the guided morning hike “Ispra e le sue fornaci,” which is approximately 5 km long. The two formats differ in their itinerary: The circular trail returns to the starting point, while the guided tour combines a morning appointment with an approximate route length of 5 km.

Churches, Gardens and Historical Traces

The complex of the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino consists of two churches. They were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, respectively. The older one faces the lake, while the new facade faces the square. In the town center, the garden of Villa Castelli is freely accessible. At Le Fornaci, individual remains in varying states of preservation survive as evidence of industrial archaeology. In addition, extensive and clear traces of permanent settlement by Iron Age population groups attributed to the so-called Golasecca culture have been discovered in Ispra. Altars, Serizzo urns and plaques with Latin inscriptions are preserved in the park and at Villa Sagramoso-Brivio. In Ispra, the Latin inscriptions supplement the surviving altars and Serizzo urns with written evidence.

Science and Cycling Culture

The Europa Science Experience is a visitor center of the Joint Research Centre in Ispra. It comprises two main areas. The Cube is a glass-enclosed area dedicated to the history and role of the JRC in the European Commission. The second main area includes virtual meetings with scientists and virtual reality experiences. Pedalarcultura is a series of events on cycling culture and cycle tourism launched in 2010. In 2026, it will once again be organized in Ispra by La Bottega del Romeo under the patronage of the Municipality of Ispra. The two areas therefore differ in their design: The Cube is glass-enclosed, while the other area uses virtual meetings and virtual reality experiences.

Excursion Destinations in the Surrounding Region

In the immediate vicinity of Ispra are Spiaggia del Sasso Cavallazzo and Spiaggia dei Caravalle beaches. The Museo Archeologico is a museum in the area around Ispra. Villa Baumann, a palace, and Rocca Borromeo, a fortress, are also located in the area around Ispra. The Chiostro di Voltorre, a museum, and the Gardino Isola Bella garden are also situated there. The summit of Monte Mazzarone lies farther away in the surrounding region. Both beaches are in the immediate vicinity, while Monte Mazzarone is in the wider surrounding region of Ispra.

More Destinations

Also discover Cadrezzate, Monteggia, Marnate, Monvalle, Montecatini, Castelveccana, Fagnano Olona and Malgesso.

For the overarching travel overview: Varese.