Agra is a municipality in the province of Varese located on a plateau at 655,0 meters of altitude in Val Dumentina, a short distance from Luino and the Italian-Swiss border and part of the mountain community of the Verbano Valleys and the Community of the Luinese Valleys.
This location on the slopes of the fascinating and imposing peak of Monte Lema offers an undoubted natural and scenic beauty, a significant historical heritage and a favorite destination for many people for mushroom and chestnut picking, lovers of trekking, cycling, mountain biking and photographers.
The name Agra probably derives from agru which means maple although this type of plant is not very frequent in the area unlike birches, oaks and locust trees.
Historically, Agra was a possession of the Rusca dukes from 1439 to 1583, but then passed under the influence of the Mariani family and then from 1773 becoming a possession of Count Antonio Crivelli, invested by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria before the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797, a period in which feudalism was then abolished.
You can start the visit with the Parish Church of Sant' Eusebio dates back to the 30s, it was built between 1931 and 1933, built with elegant baroque lines and some neo-Renaissance details, with materials from another religious building dedicated to San Rocco, with frescoes by the painter Rivetta executed in 1959.
Afterwards you can admire the beautiful Via Crucis consisting of a series of small votive chapels overlooking the wide valley that occupies a large part of the municipal territory.
Continuation with the Church of Santa Maria Nascente also known as "Alla Lupera" dating back to 1500 which according to a legend is said that a Madonna rescued young girls threatened by wolves and for this reason the local inhabitants dedicated the church to this event. Inside it is possible to admire a painting of the Madonna flanked by Saints Sebastian and Rocco.
Do not miss the so-called "Giro del Sole" a spectacular nature trail that offers wonderful views of Lake Maggiore, the Pre-Alps of Lombardy and Switzerland and the Alps.
The Deer Park is a further attraction, an agricultural area that houses goats and fallow deer in green pastures with play areas for children, a bowling green, a very attractive area in the Varese Prealps.
Every year in October, Agra celebrates “La Sagra della Zucca”, the Pumpkin Festival with the chestnut as the co-protagonist , another edible product elevated to a territorial emblem for the enormous quantity existing in the neighboring woods and for the history that has linked it to the population as a "friend" since ancient times, especially in times of famine.
The well-known Festival includes in its wide program a competition in which skilled sculptors and pumpkin carvers participate, a sort of spectacular show that will greatly entertain those present admiring the skill of these artists.
The enchanting scenery will be very inviting for everyone with suggestive courtyards hosting for the occasion exhibitors dedicated to showcasing the legendary medieval crafts, local tourism operators and food stands offering everyone the opportunity to taste the major local delicacies as the exquisite Tortelli di Zucca or the superlative risotto prepared with the same ingredient as the fantastic cheeses of Luinese including the famous Formaggella, delicious grilled Luganighe accompanied by polenta and it will be a great opportunity to try Vermicelles an excellent drink made with apples and exquisite roasted chestnuts.
During the event, in addition to enjoying a visit to the village at the same time, the traditional craft market is celebrated.
Visiting Agra means spending a wonderful day of tourism, the Varese Prealps with its valleys and the proximity of Lake Maggiore offer a multitude of attractions from a historical, artistic and landscape point of view and Agra will certainly fascinate you.
Link : https://www.comune.agra.va.it/hh/index.php
Where to Stay | Recommended Accommodation in the Area
Hotel Torre Imperiale
Albergo Paradiso
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