The Cuvignone pass
One of the major passes in the Lombard subalpine district, famous amongst cyclists and sports enthusiasts
The Cuvignone pass is a classic location for sports lovers, and in particular for road-race cycling enthusiasts. The pass has featured in the famous Giro d'Italia race for many years, and likewise in many local cycle races held on this twisting road.
A good route up to the Cuvignone pass starts from the town of Arcumeggia, or from Vararo di Cittiglio; the road is often very steep, and the final section leading up to the highest point is unmetalled, passing through the villages of Gigliola and Vararo.
The Cuvignone pass is very popular in summer, when the landscape offers a lot of cool and shady areas. There are many hiking possibilities, leading up to panoramic viewpoints looking over Lake Maggiore, including the Borromeo Bay and the Piedmont and Swiss Alps.
For example, near the Cuvignone pass, if you take the path behind the Adamoli mountain refuge, you can reach the "Poggiolo" viewpoint, providing extensive views over Lake Maggiore, from Verbania to Maccagno.
The Cuvignone pass is a classic location for sports lovers, and in particular for road-race cycling enthusiasts. The pass has featured in the famous Giro d'Italia race for many years, and likewise in many local cycle races held on this twisting road.
A good route up to the Cuvignone pass starts from the town of Arcumeggia, or from Vararo di Cittiglio; the road is often very steep, and the final section leading up to the highest point is unmetalled, passing through the villages of Gigliola and Vararo.
The Cuvignone pass is very popular in summer, when the landscape offers a lot of cool and shady areas. There are many hiking possibilities, leading up to panoramic viewpoints looking over Lake Maggiore, including the Borromeo Bay and the Piedmont and Swiss Alps.
For example, near the Cuvignone pass, if you take the path behind the Adamoli mountain refuge, you can reach the "Poggiolo" viewpoint, providing extensive views over Lake Maggiore, from Verbania to Maccagno.
