Omegna
Omegna
Omegna, "città da scoprire" - the city to discover, as Italians say.
Omegna is located in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola at the northern tip of Lake Orta. Not many towns with a population of 14,000 can boast of having given birth to something that would later become widely known in other countries. Omegna managed to do it twice.
First, this is where the children's writer and storyteller Gianni Rodari was born. And secondly, it was here in 1933 that Alfonso Bialetti patented and began mass-producing Moka coffee makers, devices that today every Italian uses to start their day with a cup of aromatic espresso.
This event literally revolutionized the way coffee was made at home – the Bialetti company became one of the main Italian manufacturers and gained worldwide fame. As for the name Moka, it comes from the city of Mocha in Yemen, one of the main centers of coffee production.
In Omegna, Gianni Rodari spent his childhood. His first collection, The Book of Cheerful Rhymes, and his most famous work, The Adventures of Cipollino, were published in 1951, when he was 31. In total, over 70 books of his works have been published, with the most famous being "The Adventures of Cipollino","Nursery Rhymes in the Sky and on the Earth", "Gelsomino in the Country of Liars", "The Cake in the Sky", and "Twice Upon a Time there was a Baron called Lamberto".
The Alessi company also originates from here, developing very unique tableware and interior objects in collaboration with the best designers from around the world. By the way, their products can be purchased at the outlet store north of the city.
The central feature of the city center is the area around the bridge that separates Lake Orta from the Nigoglia River. The Nigoglia is the only river that flows north, connecting through the Strona mountain stream with the large pre-Alpine lakes. Therefore, it is also called "the river that flows upward."
And indeed, Omegna is surrounded by mountains on all sides except the south, where the lake is located, and when you look at the river from the north side of the bridge, it is hard to believe your eyes – the water flows in the "wrong" direction, toward the mountains!
The explanation for this paradox lies in the fact that Lake Orta is slightly higher than Lake Maggiore. This fact is a particular source of pride for the citizens of Omegna, as reflected in the city's motto: "La Nigoeuja la va in su; e la legg la fèm nu!", or: "The Nigoglia flows up; and we make the law!".
Explore this place as part of Lake Orta !
Discover nearby villages, panoramic viewpoints, beaches, events and practical travel information around the lake.
How to get there?
Omegna is the final stop for several bus lines: Arona-Solcio-Stresa-Gravellona Toce-Omegna, Arona-Borgomanero-Omegna, Borgomanero-Alzo-Omegna. Other route options can be found on the Rome2Rio website. By train, you need to go to Stazione di Omegna (Novara-Domodossola line) or Stazione di Verbania-Fondotoce (Milano-Domodossola line), and then take a bus to Omegna.
On Lake Orta, from March to October, the public boat service Navigazione Lago d'Orta operates daily, connecting the following locations along both shores: Omegna, Oira, Ronco, Punta di Crabbia, Gardinetto, Pettenasco, L’Approdo, San Giulio Island, Orta San Giulio (green line); Orta San Giulio, San Giulio Island, Pella, San Filiberto, Lagna (red line); Orta San Giulio – San Giulio Island (yellow line, every 15 minutes).
Where to park?
Near the Forum Omegna museum, there is a large free parking lot that is not marked on Google Maps.
What else to see?
To truly experience Omegna, take a walk along both flower-adorned lakeside promenades and capture some beautiful photos to remember this charming town. The eastern promenade is called Lungolago Buozzi, while the western one is Lungolago Gramsci.
Stroll through the narrow medieval streets of the old town on the western shore and admire La Nigoglia in the evening, beautifully illuminated by lanterns, adding a touch of Venetian charm.
Visit the ancient parish church of S. Ambrogio and take a look at the nearby Roman Gate (Porta Romana). The central part of S. Ambrogio is believed to have been built between 960 and 969 AD, while the rest was completed during the 15th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The Roman Gate, built around the 11th century, is the only surviving one of the five gates that once provided entry to Omegna in medieval times.
And, of course, take a walk through the pine forest to the top of Monte Zuoli for an incredible view of Lake Orta and the town. Thrill-seekers can also enjoy the nearby 450-meter Lago d’Orta Zipline, suspended 60 meters above the ground, for an adrenaline rush.
What to see nearby
Related Lake Orta guides.
What tourist routes are nearby.
- Bagnella - Omegna. An easy 5-kilometer round-trip walking route near Omegna. The average time to complete the route is around 1 hour and 4 minutes. This route is popular for running and walking, and it is suitable for children.
- Omegna - Alpe Mastrolino. An easy 2-kilometer round-trip walking route to Alpe Mastrolino, located on the slopes of Mottarone. The duration of the route is about forty minutes, with an elevation gain of around 200 meters. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the town and Lake Orta, and there is a designated area where you can stop and have a snack.
Festivals & Concerts.
Natale d'Incanto 2026
Natale d’Incanto is Omegna’s annual Christmas festival, bringing lights, music, markets and festive activities to the town on Lake Orta during the winter season.
Carnevale Omegnese 2027
Carnevale Omegnese is the traditional carnival of Omegna, held on the shores of Lake Orta, featuring colourful parades, music, local food and lively celebrations that bring together residents and visitors in the days before Lent.
Other useful information.
The weekly market takes place: on Thursday mornings at Lungolago Gramsci.