The villages around Lake Viverone
The Lake Viverone villages are small, close together and very different. Viverone has the lakeshore promenade and the main beaches. Azeglio has an old town, a pier built for the pile dwellings and a bird-watching tower. Roppolo has a castle with views over the lake and its red roofs. Piverone has the ruins of Gesiùn on the Via Francigena. Anzasco is a bathing zone and a boat landing.
You can see two or three of them in one day. If you would rather have a guide and a driver, look at our Piedmont wine tours and day trips. If you want to swim first, start with the Lake Viverone beaches.
Day trips and wine tours around Lake Viverone
Guided days out in the Piedmont hills, with live prices and availability.
Viverone and Anzasco: promenade, museum corner and boat
The busiest part of the shore.
Viverone
The village has a lakeshore promenade and the beach areas. Parking on the blue lakeside spaces is paid. The documentation centre on the pile dwellings is on the first floor of the library at Via Umberto I 109. Entry is free, and it opens on Sundays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. from June to October, except in August. Other days are by arrangement for school groups only, so plan it as a Sunday stop. More background is on the pile dwellings page.
Anzasco
Anzasco is one of the four monitored bathing zones on the lake, and it is a stop for the lake boat. The boat also calls at Lido and Masseria. Masseria is served only after a phone reservation. In October the boat also runs on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and from November to March on Sunday afternoons if the weather allows. Check the current timetable before you go.
Getting around without a car
Bus line 358 Extra.TO links Cavaglià, Piverone and Ivrea, and it serves Viverone, Roppolo and Anzasco. Timetables change, so check the current one. For train and airport connections, see getting there.
Azeglio: old town, pier and bird tower
Azeglio is the village to pick for a slow walk. The old town centers on Piazza Massimo d'Azeglio, and the church of San Martino Vescovo is nearby. At the shore there is a tourist pier for the pile dwellings and a bird-watching tower.
The pier is a place to stand and look. The original remains lie under the water and cannot be visited. The castle in the village is private, so do not plan on a tour inside. The wetlands on the lake are good for water birds, and the tower gives you a raised view.
Roppolo: Castello di Roppolo
The castle is the main sight in Roppolo, with a brick tower, walls and a view across the roofs to the lake. From 1 April to 31 October it is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday are closed.
From 1 November to 31 March it is closed as a rule. You can still visit by booking at least 2 days ahead. Adults pay €9.80 in 2026, children from 7 to 14 years €6.80, and children under 7 enter free. Special events are not covered by these prices. You can buy tickets online or at the desk. Daily capacity is limited, so booking ahead is recommended.
Piverone and the ruins of Gesiùn
A short walk on a pilgrim route.
Gesiùn is what remains of the church of San Pietro di Sugliaco. It stands among vineyards and fields on a stretch of the Via Francigena, and part of it is open to the sky. Expect ruins, not an intact church. It suits a short walk or a stop on a longer hike along the old pilgrim road. The village center of Piverone has a church with a portico and a bell tower.
The villages at a glance
Prices and hours for 2026.
| Village | Main reason to stop | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Viverone | Promenade, beaches, documentation centre | Free entry, Sundays only; lakeside parking is paid |
| Piverone | Gesiùn ruins, Via Francigena | Open-air ruins, not an intact church |
| Azeglio | Old town, pile-dwelling pier, bird tower | Remains are under water; castle is private |
| Roppolo | Castle with lake views | April to October, Wednesday to Sunday; adults €9.80 |
| Anzasco | Bathing zone, boat landing | Boat fare €6 for adults |
For most visitors with one afternoon, combine Viverone for the promenade with Azeglio for the old town and the pier. Add Roppolo if it falls on a Wednesday to Sunday between April and October.
Lake Viverone villages: frequently asked questions
Which village should I visit first?
Viverone is the easiest start because it has the promenade and the beaches. Azeglio is the better choice for an old town and the pier. Roppolo is the one with a ticketed sight.
Can I visit Castello di Roppolo in winter?
From 1 November to 31 March the castle is closed as a rule. A visit is possible if you book at least 2 days ahead.
Can I see the pile dwellings in Azeglio?
No. The pier and the tower are viewing points. The remains lie under the water and cannot be visited.
Is there a boat between the villages?
A lake boat calls at Lido, Anzasco and Masseria. Adults pay €6 and children up to 6 years €2, on board. Masseria needs a phone reservation. Check the current timetable before you go.
Can I get around without a car?
Bus line 358 Extra.TO serves Viverone, Roppolo and Anzasco on its way between Cavaglià, Piverone and Ivrea. Check the current timetable, and read getting there for train changes.
Is this the official website of the villages?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to any municipality, tourist board or castle operator. Check opening hours and prices with the operator before you go.