Ispra at Dusk & Ice Cream

A walk suitable for everyone to discover Ispra from a different perspective, letting yourself be captivated by its sights, its history, and the magic of the lake at dusk.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 Don’t miss the event “Ispra at Dusk & Gelato”, a guided tour that will take participants on a journey to discover little-known corners of the town, exploring history, art, nature, and views of Lake Maggiore.

The meeting point is at 5:00 p.m. at the Ispra Infopoint (Via Verbano 208), from where the tour will begin, starting along the lakefront and gradually making its way into the heart of the village.

The walk will begin by following a stretch of the romantic Passeggiata dell’Amore, overlooking the lake, before turning onto the picturesque Ripa Solitaria, the ancient pedestrian path connecting the lake to the historic center, behind the Parish Church.

The ascent will lead participants behind the Church of San Martino, where you can visit what is now known as the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows, which is the same building as the town’s historic 17th-century church with its facade facing the lake.

The complex of the Parish Church of San Martino consists of two churches joined together: the older one—which faces the lake and dates back to the 17th century—and the newer one—which overlooks the square and dates to the 18th century. The complex is still flanked by a tall bell tower built around 1680.

Inside the chapel, visitors can admire the restored 17th-century frescoes, depicting episodes from the life of Saint Anthony the Abbot, painted by Cristoforo Martinola, known as “il Rocca,” a 17th-century Lombard artist.

The visit will be made even more special by the presence of the parish priest of the church, who will present some ancient liturgical vestments that have recently been restored, on display right inside the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Afterward, there will be a pleasant refreshing stop at the Il Capriccio gelateria, to enjoy some excellent gelato before continuing on the walk.

The itinerary will then continue through the historic Villa Castelli Park, now home to the Ispra Town Hall, until reaching Monte del Prete, the promontory overlooking the historic center and Lake Maggiore. The hill, about 300 meters high, takes its name from the ancient lands that once belonged to the parish and is one of the most historically significant sites in the area: in fact, the Castle of San Cristoforo and the ancient church of San Crescenzio once stood here.

Behind the town hall, you’ll begin the ascent along the trail behind it, adjacent to the Sala Serra. At the top of the climb—from which you can catch a glimpse of the lake—you’ll find yourself in a clearing where you’ll continue toward the “Crocione,” a vantage point offering views of Ispra and the lake. From here, after discovering interesting facts and stories related to this fascinating place, you’ll head back down toward the historic center and finally return to the lakeside promenade.

Useful Information

• Meeting Point: Ispra Infopoint – Via Verbano 208
• Departure 5:00 p.m.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Guided tour fee: €5.00 (ice cream not included)
• Reservations required, including online: https://www.archeologistics.it/servizi-educativi/ispra-destate-648.html