San Maurizio d'Opaglio between water technology and lakeside paths

San Maurizio d'Opaglio brings together water technology, lakeside areas and historic religious buildings in a destination where you can choose how much emphasis to place on culture and activity. The Museo del Rubinetto e della sua Tecnologia, paths in Pascolo, and the areas of Opagliolo and Briallo offer different ways to discover the town: through industrial history, walks by the water, and churches with clearly datable historical references.

Water, Technology and Industrial History

At the Museo del Rubinetto e della sua Tecnologia, the permanent exhibition “L'uomo e l'acqua” explores the relationship between people and water. Around 300 industrial archaeology exhibits illustrate the development of taps and traditional craft manufacturing techniques. The focus is therefore not only on a single product, but also on the connection between craftsmanship, technology and the everyday use of water.

The exhibition also covers the history of hygiene and technological innovations, whose essential components include fittings and valves that made the use of water possible. The transformation of personal care from an élite practice into a mass phenomenon is also among the topics. For visitors interested in culture, the museum thus offers an unusually tangible way to explore a field that connects technological history with everyday history.

Lakeside Walking Paths

Those wishing to combine their stay with outdoor activity will find several paths with different layouts. The Anello Azzurro passes the Spiaggia Comunale di Pascolo and the Spiaggia Comunale di Prarolo; a short detour also takes you to the small port of Lagna. A walking path along the lakeshore also begins in the village of Pascolo.

The Spiaggia Comunale Prarolo is freely accessible on foot, and access is also guaranteed for people with disabilities. For 2023–2024, it was awarded the Blue Flag by FEE.

Churches, Oratories and Historical Traces

The Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie was built in 1739 on the commission of the Lera family, particularly Marco Antonio Lera. For the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Maurizio, an estimate dated 1537 confirms that a church dedicated to Saint Maurice stood in Briallo. The building was restored and enlarged in 1582–1583, possibly in preparation for its consecration on 9 September 1590 by Bishop Cesare Spedano.

In the Opagliolo area, Palazzo Bettoja is considered a typical house of the local minor nobility. Archaeological finds indicate that the site was already inhabited in Roman times and earlier. The Oratorio di San Giulio alla Fontana lies between Opagliolo and Punta di Casario, set in wooded terrain in a narrow valley leading to the lake. From Loc. Opagliolo, a footpath along Via Monte Bianco leads to the Oratorio di San Giulio; via a paved alley, the path continues to the lake.

Historic Paths for an Active Excursion

The Camminata L’Antica Via degli Scalpellini has its own distinct history as a route. It begins at the Ditta Giacomini car park on the road between San Maurizio d'Opaglio and Alzo and follows the historic path uphill to the Santuario di Madonna del Sasso. Together with the walking path in Pascolo, the Anello Azzurro and the access route through Opagliolo, this provides a choice of different ways to stay active: lakeside paths, short detours and a historic uphill climb with a clearly designated starting point and destination.

You can therefore decide early what to focus on during your stay: culture leads to the museum, the churches and Palazzo Bettoja, while paths by the water lead to Pascolo, Prarolo, the Anello Azzurro and the small port of Lagna. A hotel in San Maurizio d'Opaglio thus becomes part of a personal itinerary combining the museum, religious buildings, lakeside areas and the historic uphill path, without this forming a single circular route.

Further destinations for orientation: Marano Ticino, Colazza, Lumellogno, Massino Visconti, Agrate Conturbia, Oleggio Castello, Caltignaga, Bogogno.

For the higher-level travel overview: Novara.