NO. 5

Pallanza (approx. 10.000 inhabitants) has Roman origins and was first officially mentioned in the 11th century. Because of its important strategic location it was, like the neighbouring towns Intra and Suna, repeatedly under the control of various ruling families. Since 1939 these three towns form the provincial capital Verbania. At the beginning of the 19th century, tourism in this region developed and gained considerable impetus through the construction of the railway and the Simplon Pass. Many famous personalities came here to enjoy the splendid location in the Gulf of Borromeo, the mild climate and the resulting Mediterranean vegetation. The world-famous music conductor, Arturo Toscanini spent many years living opposite Pallanza, on the small island San Giovanni, which is still privately owned by the Borromeo family. Here he found a refuge which afforded him the strength, peace and inspiration which he needed for his future projects. There is much to discover while walking through the charming historic town-centre with its mediaeval streets, churches, chapels, villas, gardens, arbour pathways, restaurants, bars, and numerous shops, as well as the wonderful lakeside promenade. The beautiful Art Nouveau villas are witnesses to a rich and unique era which no longer exists. One of these villas has become world-famous due to its park – the Villa Taranto on the Punta della Castagnola, Here you can find a park of approx. 20 hectares with more than 20,000 different plants from all over the world. Not only is the botanical variety throughout the year impressive, but also the splendid location between the lake and the mountains. Incidentally, one of the most famous sons of the town, Giovanni Maria Farina attained world-wide fame in Cologne in 1714. Thanks to his fine instinct and good sense of smell, the famous „Eau de Cologne“ was invented, and he described it thus: „My perfume is like a Spring morning in Italy, after a shower of rain: oranges, grapefruit, bergamot, lemons, cedar, lime and the blossoms and herbs of my homeland.“ Napoleon wished to buy the formula for himself and only some devious deception tactics prevented it from falling into his hands! After the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century, many attempts were made by rivals to copy the perfume and the name and because there was still no Trademark Protection Law at the time, „Eau de Cologne“ became synonymous with an entire range of perfumes.