They say that into every life a little rain must fall, and when it does here, what better way to spend that day than by visiting the Museo dell'Ombrello e del Parasole, a quirky museum dedicated entirely to those devices we use to protect ourselves from the rain. This region was the home to over 150 umbrella-making families in the 1800s, and today, housed in a building shaped like three open umbrellas, you can learn why, and view hundreds of unique umbrellas, parasols, and other items. Gignese, where the museum is located, is a picturesque little town, a bit higher up in the hills; pairing this museum visit with a lunch at an agriturismo would be a really nice way to pass the day when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your outdoor activities.

Open from 1 April to 31 October, 10.00 – 12.00 and 15.00 to 18.00. Closed Mondays, unless the Monday is a national holiday, in which case the museum is open.

The museum is an easy 20 minute drive from Stresa by car or reachable on public buses.

Web site: http://www.gignese.it/museo/