Belgirate lies on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, on the slope of the Motta Rossa. Two parallel streets at different heights cross the old centre, linked by stepped alleys called rughe. Medieval charters give the name as Bolgerate and Bulgarate, forms from which some scholars have supposed a settlement of Bulgars.
The upper village grew around the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, the Chiesa Vecchia, whose bell tower is older than the church itself; the parish church of the Purificazione di Maria stands down in the village, facing the lake. Until 1948 Belgirate and Lesa were one comune, and their people kept the nickname sciat, toads, from the jargon of travelling umbrella menders.
Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
Near Belgirate
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Places to see within 25 km
Outside Belgirate, but an easy day trip away.