Natural Park of
Lagoni di Mercurago
Geological origin
The morainic circle conformation, that characterises the hilly surroundings of Verbano, derives from the transporting action of the rocky debris operated by the glacier of Lake Maggiore during the Quaternary period. Two concentric sections of these circles form the structure of the Natural Park of the Big Ponds of Mercurago, farthest southern ramification of the hilly group called 'Vergante'.
Here, along the till paths of the melting waters of the old glacier in a moss environment, you can find a dozen of small damp areas embellished by their fragility. The Park of the "Lagoni" ( Big Ponds ) stretches out for about 470 hectares at altitudes ranging from 230 to 330 meters.
Environment
Three quarters of the surface is covered by a wood, retraceable to the original oak wood, with particularly suggestive moory scraps and an arfificial pinewood of strobus pine of 30 hectares.
The most interesting natural elements of the protected area of the Lagoni of Mercurago are the aquatic and palustrine flora that counts many rare species and the microfolora as well as an interesting aquatic entomofauna. The fauna of the low hilly environments is well represented. More details obout reserach and nature of the park are in the naturalistic plan.
Human recent and old activities
The archaeological points of this area are considerably important: they date back to the Ancient Bronze Age, in che IV-V century A.D. Recently a roman settlement has been discovered and many interesting churches, villages and museum can be visited following the itineray From the park all around (in English).
Apart from the wood, excluding the small surface occupied by damp areas and residential zones, the remaining part of the Park is a prerogative of thoroughbred horse breeding of age-old tradition, tracing back to Federico Tesio, who created the "Dormello-Olgiata" breed.
Visitors
Inside the Park, there are 19 marked trails with which you can follow four thematic itineraries:
- Archaeology: the roman burial grounds etc.
- Woods: the trees and their association inside the park
- Productive activities: the breeding of horses and some old farms
- Wetlands: the ponds, the moorlands and some flesh-eating plant
Head office and isiting centre at Mercurago di Arona (No), via Gattico 6.
Entrances
From the A26 motorway "Genova - Gravellona Toce", exit Arona, you can reach the entrances of Mercurago di Arona, Oleggio Castello, Dormelletto and Comignago. At the head office (via Gattico 6, Mercurago di Aorna) and at the beginning of Via Lagoni (Dormelletto) there are two small parking area; in the other cases,it is advisable to leave the car near the built-up areas.
There are easy railway connections with Arona; the stations of Dormelletto and Comignago are more difficult to be used. Bus are available from the railway station of Arona (or 20-30 minutes walking).
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Updated on January 18th, 2005
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