A municipality in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, in the mountains of northwestern shore of Lake Orta, from where it is possible to admire a magnificent panorama of the lake, the surrounding plain and is favored by mild climate conditions, even for the Ligurian Apennines. Quarna Sopra is located at less than one kilometer from the other center known as "Quarna Sotto" and yet it differs by language and traditions. There are several many highlands that can be reached from the village, which make of it the ideal departure point for excursions to Mount Cross and the Massive of the Turlo.
The two communities of Quarna Sopra and Quarna Sotto were both founded by the Karmi, a population of Celtic origins. The recent discovery in the district of Castellaccio of the remains of a late-Roman Tower evidence that the area was colonized by the Romans. The settlement was mentioned for the first time in documents dating from the XII century and was included in the Signoria (Lordship) of Omegna. Thanks to its position, that kept it protected from any outside contamination, the town has preserved its local cultural traditions. Till the mid XX century, the local economy was devoted mainly to agriculture: a significant resource was represented by chestnut trees, and livestock, but today its major income resource come through tourism.
Attractions:
- the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Fontegno, dating back to 1830, which features an asymmetric shaped plan: the main building is flanked on one side by another structure, located slightly lower, that follows the contours of the ground. This part is characterized by a sloping roof and a porch with two arches below. The church also features a fine Bell Tower;
- the Parish Church of St. Stephen of 1517, which preserves inside a XIX century organ;
- the XIV century Church of San Rocco;
- the Church of Santo Stefano.