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Overview
Residence of art and culture on Lake Maggiore
In the historic centre of Arona, a few steps from Lake Maggiore, stands the prestigious 18th-century residence of Villa Ponti. Built in 1760 at the behest of the wealthy Flemish merchant Bartolomeo Pertossi, the building is constructed on the remains of the bastions of the Borromean Fortress.
Despite numerous modifications over the centuries, Villa Ponti retains much of its original core. Its two different façades will amaze you: the one facing Via San Carlo is richly decorated in Baroque style, while the one facing the surrounding park retains classical elements, such as the pediment and staircase.
The monumental residence overlooks a vast garden of centuries-old magnolias and camellias, approximately 5,000 square metres in size, where a Baroque fountain stands out. Take a moment to stroll around the two courtyards: the smaller one overlooks the street, while the second houses a statuary group of fine workmanship.
Today, Villa Ponti hosts art exhibitions with works by the greatest masters, and conferences, receptions and classical music concerts.
