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Verbania – Italy
  Verbania, situated on the western side of Lake Maggiore, was formed by the amalgamation of Pallanza, Intra and Suna in 1939.
Pallanza itself dates back to pre-Christian times when a Celtic settlement was established there. The names a rallying point, namely the top of the Castagnola Hill. After the Roman conquest the area became important for the defence of the lake. The town experienced difficulty in becoming a free town being under oppression from the De Castello family, itself a vassal of the great Federico Barbarossa, who did not grant rights to up and coming towns. In the 13th century Pallanza was ceded to the province of Novara of which it is still a part. The fortified tower of St. Ambrose was soon founded in the vicinity. This was really the origin of the present Intra, so called because it lies between two rivers. In the 14th century both places fell under the control of the Visconti and Sforza families. Later the district became Spanish by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, hence the yellow in the town’s flag. Subsequent conquerors were the Austrians and Sardinians.
 Intra is the industrial area, Palanza being the political, commercial, tourist and generally the cultural area. Among its new buildings, Verbania boasts a Technical College of some considerable importance in the region.
The Viale delle Magnolier is a beautiful avenue which expresses the delights of the town. The part of the town known as Suna belongs to the fishermen, and one church, the Madonna di Campagna which is now well within the boundaries, illustrates the growth of the town. The Country Museum is housed in the 14th century mansion of the Dugnant family, and it is a matter of pride that the past is well displayed and that stuffiness is absent.
The evocative names of Baveno, Stresa and the Borromean Islands indicate the picturesque neighbourhood of Verbania. The Lake boat services make it so easy to travel up and down it, hopping off to islands or mainland wherever the mood takes one. There is so much to see and it is indeed a gardener’s world. The main festival in Verbania is held at the beginning of September when they have a Flower Festival.
For its work in making the European concept a living thing, Verbania was awarded the European flag. There is an annual exchange of students with Imberhorne School.
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