Camping at its finest 😍

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Every year, Maccagno turns the clock back a few centuries… and this weekend Flavia and Ernesto decided they weren’t just going to watch. They dressed for the occasion too. 😂👑

Maccagno Imperiale is the village’s traditional historical re-enactment, filling the streets with medieval costumes, artisans, musicians, flag throwers and markets. One of the big moments is the arrival of Emperor Otto I by boat and the procession through Maccagno.

But there is a lovely bit of local history — and legend — behind all the costumes.

🏰 According to an old Maccagno legend, in 962 AD Emperor Otto I got into trouble while crossing Lago Maggiore and was rescued and welcomed by local fishermen. The story says that his gratitude led to Maccagno Inferiore becoming an imperial territory. The dramatic rescue is considered a legend today, but it remains an important part of Maccagno’s story.

👑 What we do know is that Maccagno Inferiore later became a tiny Imperial Fief, directly connected to the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries it enjoyed unusual independence and special administrative, judicial and tax privileges. Quite impressive for our little neighbour on the Lago!

💰 And one of our favourite facts: Maccagno even had the right to mint its own coins. In 1622, Giacomo III Mandelli received permission from Emperor Ferdinand II to operate a mint here.

⛵ The Lago itself was very important too. Travelling by water was often easier than using the difficult roads, so Maccagno had strong connections with communities across the lake, including Cannobio. People, goods and news were crossing Lago Maggiore long before any of us were driving around it!

Today, Maccagno Imperiale brings these old stories back to the streets for one special weekend each year. 💙

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