Lesa, is a small western bank,lakeside town situated on a natural inlet. Like many of the lake towns it was settled over a thousand years ago. although many Villas are late 19th century and built as get-away's or homes for the rich. Although one of the smaller towns this has had its fair share of "important people", the politician Camillo Lesa, writers Giulio Carcano & Alessandro Manzoni who stayed at the neo-classic "Villa Stampa", which is situated centrally and close the promenade. This Villa was built by the ex-husband of Alessandro Manzoni's second wife. For years it was the feudal home of the Visconti clan whose castle 'Castello Visconti d'Aragona' is now a recognised attraction. The nearby village of Massino Visconti also bears their name.

The romanesque Church of San Sebastian is wonderfully preserved while the parish church at Solcio, a hamlet of Lesa, contains interesting frescoes by Gerolamo Induno.

Further along the Lake at Belgirate are more villas worth passing by:Palazzo Conelli, Casa Mestiatis, Villa Cairoli, Villa Treves and Villa Henry at Baveno which saw a visit from Queen Victoria in 1879.

The first tweek of December sees the local Christmas market organised by the Comune di Lesa. The market stalls are under the porticos next to the water's edge many stall holders exhibit local produce for Christmas gifts. You can also expect a good selection of foods and music to help you along...