Torre di Buccione

By Vicky · Published Nov. 10th, 2024

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The Torre di Buccione is a medieval tower atop a little hill by Lake Orta with great views over the lake and mountains beyond. It’s a short walk from the car park to get there.

Torre di Buccione Short Walk Map

Location

The short walk up to Torre di Buccione starts from a little car park by the side of the road. There’s a signboard with information about the tower in the car park, and the hiking route starts up the track just behind. To reach the car park, drive from the SOUTH. If you’re coming from the north along the lake, google might direct you up a route passing Chiesa di Santo Stefano. This road is only wide enough for motorbikes or the tiniest of cars. Instead, continue on the main lakeside road, then take a left later.

Tips

This hike is best on a clear day when you can see the views!
For more walks and hikes, check out our Italy Hiking Page.

Torre di Buccione Walking Route

Walking up to Torre di Buccione near Lake Orta, Italy

Viewpoint from Torre di Buccione of the snowy Alps near Lake Orta

From the little car park, head up the track. There are a couple of bends and the track leads gradually upwards. You’ll walk past a few clearings, and some near the top have nice views of Lake Orta far below.

After rounding a corner in the forest, you’ll come out at the open area at the top and you’ll see the Torre di Buccione (Buccione Tower). The remains you see today are from the 16th century, themselves built on the ruins of a 12th-century castle here.

Torre di Buccione, a 10 minute walk from the car park

The view of Lake Orta from Torre di Buccione

There’s a modern lookout platform up a few steps. From here you can see Lake Orta and the high Alps to the north. However, the tower itself is closed most of the time, so unfortunately you can’t go inside and get to the top. Outside the ruins, you’ll also find a few information panels (in English and Italian). These explain both the history of the tower and the geological history of the area.

When you’ve enjoyed the view, head back down the same way you came. You’ll be back at your car in about 10 minutes. This is the end of the walk to Buccione Tower.