The lake was named Maximus (or Maggiore) by the ancient Romans, as it was the largest of the pre-Alpine lakes.  Its shoreline reaches the Swiss canton of Ticino as well as the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy.

Previous to our visit to Stresa (population 5.000), that sits a third of the way up Lake Maggiore on its west side, I had spent three days in Lezzeno on Lake Como with my mum, auntie and uncle.  All three are enthusiastic American travellers already thoroughly acquainted and in love with Italy, but this was my first time.