Overview
The ruins of fortresses built on the water
The Castelli di Cannero are an icon of Lake Maggiore, located on two of the three islands in the lake. Here, in the 15th century, stood Malpaga Castle, built by the Mazzarditi brothers during disputes between the Guelphs and Ghibellines.
A century later, the Rocca Vitaliana fortress was built at the order of Milanese nobleman Ludovico Borromeo. Today, you can admire the ruins of the latter castle by boat or on board a solar-powered catamaran. The ruins emerge from the water and are reflected in it, creating a magical effect.
Located opposite Cannero Riviera, the rocky islets have been used by fishermen and smugglers over the centuries, both before the fortresses were built and after they fell to ruin. Today, they offer picturesque views of the lake and are inhabited by many birds.
The castles, steeped in legend, they are now gems open to the public through a unique immersive museum experience. The purity of the surrounding waters has earned them the Blue Flag designation.
Between 1403 and 1404, five Mazzarditi brothers seized control of the village of Cannobio and built a fortress known as the "Castle of Malpaga," creating a fortified base for their raids. In 1414, Duke Filippo Maria Visconti ordered the castle's destruction to end the violence and looting. Between 1519 and 1521, Ludovico Borromeo built the "Rocca Vitaliana," named in memory of Vitaliano Borromeo, on the ruins of the Malpaga fortress to defend the northern part of Lake Maggiore from Swiss incursions. In the 18th century, the castles were abandoned and slowly fell into ruin. For a long time, the remains could only be seen from the outside during boat trips or mini-cruises.
After centuries of abandonment, an ambitious restoration and enhancement project—made possible by the commitment of the Borromeo family—has given new voice to these history-laden stones. Today, the castles can be visited through a unique immersive experience that blends authentic history with technological innovation. The visit becomes a multisensory journey where ancient stones speak to recount centuries of battles, daily life, and legends. The route respects the poetic nature of ruins while enriching them with location-based audio guides, augmented reality installations, and interactive content designed to engage visitors of all ages.
