The town's name probably derives from the Celtic meaning of "populated area". Municipality in the province of Novara, situated on the border with the province of Verbania, Armeno is the most populous town on the Eastern shore of Lake Orta and is known as the "land of Hospitality", due to the fact that, over the centuries, a lot of inhabitants have emigrated to foreign countries and return to Armeno, each November, for the traditional Festival of Chefs. The town is divided into two districts and is washed by three rivers. The vast network of trails and dirt roads that cross bridges, glades and meadows, along stream and river beds, reach several abandoned villages located in the nearby. Bikers and trekkers can enjoy a full contact with the environment and admire the picturesque corners that Mother Nature has created .
The discovery of relics from the Iron Age evidence that the area was inhabited since the period of the Ligurians, followed by the Etruscans and the Gauls. Later the Romans colonized the territory and created important communication routes: the area was linked with the Simplon Pass by the Via Settimia. During the Middle Ages, the town shared the same historical events of the other ones of the Riviera Orta and acquired a leading position and became one of the most important and populous municipalities of the Cusio area.
Attractions:
- the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the XII century on the ruins of a Roman temple. The structure with one major nave and two side aisles is divided by pillars and capitals, all in Romanesque style. Inside are preserved frescoes completed in later centuries, including the deposition of the Cross of Fermo Stella, dating from the XVI century. The building is flanked by a Bell tower, which has earlier origins;
- the Oratory of Saint Lucia in Bassola, characterized by an entrance through a portico located on the side of the aisle;
- the Oratory of Santa Maria in Luciago, originally a chapel of the XVI century, decorated with a fresco depicting the Crucifixion with Our Lady of Sorrows. Today it features a plan with two aisles;
- the Chapel of San Bernardo;
- the XVII century Church of St. Joseph;
- the XVII century Church entitled to St. Anne;
- the Church of St. Anthony in Capovico;
- the Church of Santa Cecilia in Sovazza;
- the Church of San Fermo;
- Casa Valle dating back to the XVII century;
- Villa Virginia;
- the Museum of Hospitality.