Centro d'Ompio is nested in the serene landscapes of Piemonte region, harmoniously interwoven with natural surroundings, characterized by a rich tapestry of several ecosystems and geological heritage that plays a significant role in shaping the natural environment and distinctive energy of our region.
We are located in the commune of Pettenasco (1400 residents), the village of Pratolungo. Pettenasco (first mentioned in 892) is a medieval and picturesque town situated on the eastern shore of Lake Orta that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and medieval heritage.
Our territory covers an area of more than 10 ha with gardens, terraces, 15 varieties of bamboo, chestnut forest, the meadows, all connected with walking trails, which lead by creeks, springs and a pond.
Centro enjoys an elevated position (520 msl) from towards lake Orta, around a 15 - minute walk from the mountain top of Monte Barro (639 msl) with an inspiring panoramic and gorgeous view to the lake and mountain range of the Monte Rosa, the second highest mountain in the Alps and western Europe, after Mont Blanc.
The little town of Orta gives its name to the lake Orta. The town is within 15 minutes reach from Centro by car. It is renowned for its scenic, inspiring and poetic beauty.
The lake Orta has always been popular with writers. In the 19th century, Friedrich Nietzsche, Samuel Butler, Lord Byron, Honoré de Balzac and Robert Browning all came here. Lake Orta remains an important destination for the poets from all over the world who come for "Poetry on the Lake", a British-run poetry festival which takes place here since 2001. It is free of motor traffic. Its central square, Piazza Motta, opens onto the lake and is inviting to stay in one of the many coffee shops, with the view on the island San Giulio that is home to a 18th-century Benedictine monastery, which has been occupied by Benedictine nuns since 1976. Another monastery with 22 chappels atop Monte Sacro above Salotto d'Orta. It is dedicated to the St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy.
The waterfalls of Pescone river are the aim of a 90 - minute hike from Centro d'Ompio. They are located at the river Pescone between rock pools, which have been washed out through thousands of years.
Mottarone (1491 msl) is the highest peak of the surroundings and can be reached by car within half an hour. The panorama comprises the whole arch of the alps (from Mont Blanc to Jungfrau and Rheinwaldhorn). Below lies the winding Lago Maggiore, second largest lake in Italy.
Unique geological heritage
Our region embodies a distinctive geological heritage, characterized by an array of unique formations and processes that underscore Earth's evolutionary history.
Two powerful geological events have defined the landscapes nearby.
Approximately two decades ago, an ancient fossil supervolcano was discovered not far from Lake Orta, named Sesia supervolcano. It extends along a vast territory between Valsesia, Valsessera, Biella Alps, Val Strona, lower Val d'Ossola and upper Verbano. This whole area is part of the Sesia Val Grande Geopark, recognized by UNESCO on September 5, 2013 and became “UNESCO Global Geoparks” in November 2015.
About 300 million years ago, when the continent on our planet was one (Pangea), a volcano erupted, forming a caldera of about 15 kilometers in diameter and releasing more than 500 km3 of pyroclastic material, burning clouds and ash, darkening the sky for years, altering the landscape and conditioning the climate. Then everything stopped. And about 100 million years ago, Africa broke away from South America and began its drift, subsequently going to collide with Europe. Because of this push, about 30 million years ago, the Alpine orogeny began, the birth of our mountains, showing the entire power system of the supervolcano, now fossil. Thanks to this process, today we can observe on the surface what constituted the earth's crust under the volcano, up to a depth of about 25-30 km. This is unique in the world.
Natural Park Veglia Devero: A hike at the feet of 3000 m high mountains is within one-hour reach from Centro d'Ompio. From Alpe Devero - a high plain with lots of little lakes - the trail leads via Lago Nero to Alpe Buscagna. After wild, rocky passages and a crossing of Rio delle Frua the trail follows through light forest, alpine flowers and blueberry bushes to the incredibly pituresque Alpe Veglia.