By car: from the A26 exit a Borgomanero or Arona and follow the signs for Lago d’Orta.
By train: railway station of Orta-Miasino.

The Cusio area surrounding Lake Orta has many opulent villas and splendid gardens; these were mainly the summer residences of aristocratic families and families of the entrepreneurial bourgeoisie from Piedmont and Lombardy.

Villa Nigra in Miasino is one of the most attractive in the Cusio area. It was built in several different stages at the end of the 16^th – 17^th centuries; some of the material used was taken from an ancient castle which stood on the hill of Carcegna before being demolished. The main feature of the building is the presence of the 17^th century loggias and porticoes giving on to the courtyard with its luxuriant vegetation of mature trees and rare flowers. There is an interesting use of decoration, which sometimes simulates architectural ornaments, and in other cases helps to enhance actual ornaments.

Villa Bonola in Corconio is not particularly striking in appearance, but is well-proportioned and sober, quite in keeping with its location. The superb scenery of Lake Orta with its surrounding hills and mountains makes a perfect backdrop for the mansion; it stands opposite the little Church of Santo Stefano, which was built at the same time in the 17^th century by the Bonola family. The exterior is embellished by pictorial and decorative features; the interior contains valuable paintings, among them some by Gerolamo and G. Battista Grandi.

The flamboyant Villa Crespi near Orta San Giulio is extremely striking for its setting, with its style inspired by Moorish architecture. The building is arresting not only for its size but also for the rich decoration on its façade, as well as the minaret rising from the roof. The large grounds are planted with trees of dimensions to match the villa, and contain some rare species. The villa, has recently been restored to its former splendour, and is now a luxury hotel.

Villa Bossi, in Orta San Giulio,  is sober in its linearity, while embellished with features such as a portico, a loggia and pilasters. The pretty garden is open to the public, and comprises four flower beds, a pergola with garden seats, an ancient cypress and a gate with pillars and wrought iron separating the villa from the lake. Today the villa houses the Town Hall of Orta.

Palazzo Gemelli, in Orta San Giulio, is on the left of the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta on the Motta salita, and is an interesting late Renaissance residence. Frescoed decorations on the cornice of the façade are inspired by Flemish mythology; inside there is a superb Italian-style garden.

The House of the Dwarves, in Orta San Giulio, whose curious name derives from the small size of the four windows looking on to the Motta salita, is thought to be the oldest house in Orta, dating from the end of the 14^th century. It has a porch with graceful granite columns supporting a wooden architrave.

Villa Monte Oro is in Armeno, on top of a hill which is wholly occupied by a great park of tall, old trees, colourful flower-beds, lush green lawns and paths which are an invitation to go for long walks. Designed by the famous architect Carlo Nigra in 1926, the Art Nouveau-style villa is constructed in different two- or three- storey bodies, giving variety to the appearance of the building, which is further embellished with a belvedere tower with a spectacular view.

Casa Calderara, in the centre of the pretty little village of Ameno Vacciago, is a fine example of Renaissance bourgeois architecture. Built at the end of the 16^th century, it features a triple loggia resting on granite columns, in the 20^th century it became the house-studio of the famous painter Calderara, who founded a fascinating permanent exhibition of 20^th century sculpture and painting in the house.